HERSHEY, Pa. — The GIANT Food Stores 'I' Cares for Kids Radiothon on I105 WIOV-FM raised $155,650 to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital. The event was held March 3 and 4 at the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, Lancaster County.
Listeners made donations in person, by phone and online, and several local businesses sponsored the event. The fundraising total represents a 24 percent increase over the previous year. Since 2005, the 'I' Cares for Kids Radiothon has raised $2,047,250. The funds support life-saving equipment, research and family-centered programs at the Children’s Hospital.
“The incredible generosity of the WIOV listeners and area businesses will create miracles for sick and injured children in our community,” said Danielle Sunday, director of Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital. “By funding the margins of excellence at the Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network will help to save the lives of children and provide them with the highest-quality care. Thank you for giving our patients the gift of growing up.”
Several patients and their families shared their stories at the event. They included 13-year-old Julia Shaubach of Paradise, Lancaster County, a heart patient at the Children’s Hospital. She underwent two surgeries as an infant and received a pacemaker in January. Julia designed this year’s t-shirt for Radiothon donors.