Country Cares for Kids Radiothon raises $85K in inaugural year
By Tricia Tomiyoshi
(SACRAMENTO)
The first-ever Country Cares for Kids Radiothon last month on KNCI 105.1 FM raised more than $85,000 in support of pediatric care for children and families across Northern California.
The live broadcast featured heartfelt patient and family stories shared on-air by KNCI talent, highlighting the compassionate, specialized care provided at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. These stories offered listeners a powerful glimpse into the life-changing impact of their generosity and the critical role that UC Davis Children’s Hospital plays in caring for kids close to home.
“This Radiothon was such a meaningful way to bring our community together in support of local kids and families,” said Kacie Merrick, managing senior director of development for Children’s Miracle Network at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “To see listeners, partners, volunteers, radio staff and our patient families rally around this first-year event was incredibly special.”
Throughout the broadcast, listeners were encouraged to donate in support of children and families receiving care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Several corporate partners amplified the reach of those gifts through special matching hours, including SchoolsFirst Credit Union, Patelco Credit Union, Porter Consulting LLC, Vertical Systems and Visual Solutions Group. Contributions of all sizes poured in from across the region, demonstrating the community’s deep commitment to children’s health.
Volunteers also played a key role in the success of Radiothon, assisting with donor calls and creating care kits for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit families experiencing a stay at the hospital over the holiday season. One volunteer, published children’s book author B.A. Keating, even donated copies of her own books to patients in the hospital.
A central part of the Radiothon programming was patient families who generously shared their stories: They offered listeners an authentic and deeply personal understanding of how philanthropy directly supports children receiving care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital as their Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
“The inaugural Country Cares for Kids Radiothon established a strong foundation for future years, showcasing the power of storytelling, collaboration and community-driven fundraising,” Merrick said. “UC Davis Children’s Hospital is grateful to KNCI 105.1 FM, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, corporate partners, volunteers, patient families and every donor who helped make this first year a success.”
