The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the world’s premier center for the research and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases. In support of the hospital’s important work, Sunny Country 102.5 will be holding the 12th annual Sunny Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon on March 10 and 11. Over the past 11 years, the Santa Maria community has raised much more than $679,000. However, that’s only a thin slice of the country pie.
“Across the United States there are hundreds of different country radio stations, through Country Cares, that have their own radiothons to raise money for St. Jude. We are only one part of a bigger whole,” said Stacy Green, Sunny Country’s promotions director.
ALABAMA front man Randy Owen started Country Cares after meeting with St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, who asked Owen to spearhead a fundraising effort in the country music community. Sunny Country’s radiothon will run 12 hours each day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and feature information on the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, how it helps kids, the various programs it offers, and all the research it’s done.
Sunny Country has a bevy of sponsors for this year’s radiothon, including Trattoria Uliveto in Old Orcutt and the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez. Because of their support, Sunny Country will invite all “Partners in Hope” to a private concert featuring some of Nashville’s top songwriters, including Chris Wallen, Anthony Smith, Lisa Carver, and Sarah Buxton. A “Partner in Hope” is someone who pledges to donate $20 a month for one year. Anyone interested in donating during the radiothon can call the station at 1-800-795-1800 or visit sunnycountry.com.
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital does so much for children, not just domestically but globally as well,” Green said. “It’s nice to help out with something that’s so important to so many people world wide. It’s all about the kids.”
Intern Jacob Lopez compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at [email protected].
