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MIX Surpasses Million Dollar Mark Again with Radiothon Despite Economy
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MIX staffers unveil the miraculous total for the 2009 Radiothon $1,031,431. |
MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM has a lot to celebrate. The MIX staffers and many volunteers are still recovering from three solid days of fundraising at Duke Children’s Hospital, but they are resting with a smile on their faces. The 15th annual Radiothon for the Kids at Duke raked in $1,031,431.
“Our 15th annual Radiothon exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said WRAL-FM Vice President & General Manager Ardie Gregory. “We were uncertain about this year’s outcome based on the daily barrage of bad economic news, and yet the MIX listeners once again stepped up and gave another million dollars to the kids at Duke. It was truly an inspiring event, made possible by two incredible staffs, and it brings our fifteen year total to $10,749,291!”
“I am glad I could be a part of something so important.”
-WRAL-FM’s Luanne Tart |
MIX’s Vanna Fox cradles a little one as she works hard on the air. |
From the on-air staff to the workers toiling behind the scenes, WRAL-FM employees were proud to participate in the annual event.
“The 2009 Radiothon was a huge success,” said WRAL-FM Promotion Coordinator Luanne Tart. “Despite the economy, MIX listeners opened up their hearts and their pockets to donate to the kids at Duke. It is wonderful to see the community reach out to help others. I am glad I could be a part of something so important.”
The Radiothon spanned three days, from 6am on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, to Thursday, February 12 at 6pm.
“I am tired,” said WRAL-FM Production Content Director Lori Rentsch, the morning after the event ended. “A LOT of us are tired today, and I think that is so wonderful! It’s wonderful that each of us had the stamina we needed, that everyone dove in, did what needed to be done and did it with heart and conviction. I listened to a lot of stories, heard many words that were so inspirational, and spent a lot of time trying to do them justice. If anything I did helped a child even one teeny bit, than I’m grateful. I feel truly blessed to work for a company that has the resources to do this, and ALLOWS us to do it.”
“We were uncertain about this year’s outcome based on the daily barrage of bad economic news, and yet the MIX listeners once again stepped up and gave another million dollars to the kids at Duke. It was truly an inspiring event, made possible by two incredible staffs…”
-WRAL-FM’s Ardie Gregory |
Volunteers on the phone bank break into applause as the final pledge is taken. |
Duke’s Coach K even steps up to take pledges. |
WRAL-FM’s Jim Kelly (left) & his wife, Tara, (with their girls, Olivia & Payton) tell the story of their own experience with Duke Children’s Hospital. |
WRAL-FM Assistant Program Director/Music Director Jim Kelly participated in the Radiothon for years before he learned about the other side of the work at Duke. Several years ago, his premature twins spent months at Duke before coming home for the first time.
So why does he think Radiothon works?
“It’s a testament to MIX listeners,” said Kelly. “We ask and they always step up, especially when it comes to the kids at Duke’s Children’s Hospital. I think going into the radiothon, no one was expecting to hit the million dollar mark, hoping, but not expecting.”
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It’s not too late to be part of the miracle:
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See more of the Radiothon:
Thanks to MIX & WRAL.com for these capcom photos.
