Successful charitable endeavors: A radio tradition

The radio industry has established a long and enviable track record for its work with charitable organizations and activities. Among the most recent examples of this successful collaboration were Radiothons held by Entravision and Philadelphia CBS Radio affiliates SportsRadio 94WIP and Classic Hits WOGL 98.1.

Held Aug. 13-15, Entravision’s eighth annual Radiothon, “Un Million Para Los Ninos” (One Million for the Children), almost tripled its $1 million goal. The event generated just under $2.9 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals.

The record-setting Radiothon total made this the most successful Spanish-language Radiothon to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in 2015, and surpassed last year's $2.1 million tally. The donations will be utilized by local children's hospitals to help fund critical treatments, healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care, as well as provide treatment to low-income patients.

"We are once again extremely proud of the great partnership we enjoy with the entire Entravision team," stated Joe Trevino, VP Hispanic Programs, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "This year's Radiothon success is a testament to the personal dedication, creativity and commitment by everyone involved to engage Entravision listeners to participate with the Radiothon.”

In Philadelphia, WOGL listeners made pledges online and over the phone during the station’s annual “WOGL Loves Our Kids Radiothon” this past Thursday and Friday. The station’s staff as well as other local media and sports celebrities pitched in to help with the event, which raised almost $690,000 to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Over the past 14 years, donations to the “WOGL Loves Our Kids Radiothon” have totaled approximately $7.5 million.

Also in Philly, the hometown Eagles and SportsRadio 94WIP combined to raise $200,000 over a two-day period last week. As part of the “2015 Eagles Radiothon,” Eagles fans and 94WIP callers were provided the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences involving their favorite Eagles players and 94WIP radio personalities. All proceeds will benefit Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP) and its vital health and education programs that serve more than 50,000 children who lack access in the local community every year.

“We’re once again overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of WIP listeners and Eagles fans in our community,” said Senior VP/Market Manager CBS Radio Philadelphia, David Yadgaroff. “The WIP Eagles Radiothon brings our entire staff together to work towards one common goal of helping raise money for Eagles Youth Partnership.”