The 16th annual Give-A-Thon for Phoenix Children’s Hospital became the top fundraiser of its kind in the country by collecting more than $1.58 million in donations during a 19-hour radio simulcast on KTAR News (92.3 FM) and Arizona Sports (98.7 FM). This marks the seventh year in a row that Bonneville Media’s two stations have exceeded $1 million in donations.
“Wow, to think that Give-A-Thon is now the largest children’s hospital radiothon fundraiser in the United States is mind-boggling,” said Steve Schnall, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “But then we’ve always known that this community is capable of doing extraordinary things to support our kids.”
Setting aside primetime KTAR News and Arizona Sports programming schedules for nearly two days, the Give-A-Thon for Phoenix Children’s Hospital featured emotional stories told by children and families whose lives are forever changed by the care they receive at the hospital, which receives high national rankings for a variety of pediatric services.
The theme of this year’s event was Champions of Hope, and listeners could call in and become Champions of Hope for a monthly donation of $20. In exchange a patient received a teddy bear in the name of each Champion.
“It never ceases to amaze us how our audiences respond to Give-A-Thon, but this year is made even more special by becoming the top children’s hospital radiothon fundraiser in the country,” said Scott Sutherland, Vice President and Market Manager of Bonneville Phoenix, which operates KTAR News, Arizona Sports and ESPN Phoenix. “And we’re so grateful for the support of our amazing Give-A-Thon sponsors, all of whom embrace the PCH mission and inspire their employees, customers and business partners to also contribute to the campaign.”
Funds raised during Give-A-Thon benefit the Hospital’s Hope Fund, which helps fund research, new clinical programs, cutting-edge technology, child- and family-friendly services, and the recruitment of world-renowned physicians to ensure that every child who needs care in the community receives the very best.
The success of Give-A-Thon was made possible thanks to corporate sponsors Valley Hyundai Dealers, Carl’s Jr., Wells Fargo, Ace Hardware, Taylor Morrison, BestDentalCareAZ.com, Presidential Pools and Spas, LLC, Trane, The UPS Store, Just Sports, Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen and Papa John’s; and corporate partners All American Classics, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Central Credit Union, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Air, Bumper to Bumper Radio, Catalyst Pain Solutions, CDW, Chapman BMW on Camelback, Chico’s FAS, Debbie Gaby Charities, Desert Dentistry, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, Earnhardt Hyundai Avondale, Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale, Executive Council Charities, Fiesta Bowl Charities, Four Peaks Brewery, Fry’s Food Stores, Gila River Casinos, Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, Howard Air, Ideas Collide, IHOP, Lou Malnati’s, Massage Envy, Meineke, National Benefits Partners, Panda Express, Phoenix Coyotes, Phoenix Suns, R3EWaste, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Sagicor, San Tan Hyundai, Sam’s Club, Steve Trang Group/Stunning Homes Realty, Stream Logistics, Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club/Valley Kids Foundation, Walgreens, Walmart, and Whataburger.
Supporters can still donate online at www.giveathonforpch.com.
About Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s only children’s hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals with rankings in all ten specialties. Phoenix Children's provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. As one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, Phoenix Children’s provides care across more than 75 pediatric specialties. The Hospital is poised for continued growth in quality patient care, research and medical education. For more information about the hospital, visit phoenixchildrens.org.