WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — An annual fundraiser to raise money for kids battling childhood cancer will return for its 20th year this week.
On Thursday and Friday, Midwest Communication country station WDEZ will be hosting the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon fundraiser. The fundraiser that lasts for 24 hours helps raise money for kids staying at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
WDEZ Brand Manager John Richards says listeners will hear stories of all types from families and artists who have been affected by St. Judes. “They’re going to hear very sad stories. They’re going to hear very uplifting stories and inspirational stories.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster for 24 hours because we do it for two days, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. So be prepared to have some tissues. Be prepared to laugh. Be prepared to be inspired.”
As with most things over the past year, the St. Jude Radiothon will look a little different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of airing the radiothon out on location at Trig’s in Wausau, the radiothon will be held in-studio. But Richards doesn’t think that will change the community’s desire to donate.
“But I think people find that St. Jude is really near and dear to their heart. They participate in things that we’ve had in the past. Kickball tournaments and we’re doing a cornhole tournament this Saturday. So those little things that we do for St. Jude throughout the year, people have shown huge support and we have a feeling it’s going to be the same if not better this year.”
In 2020, WDEZ raised just over $200,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, breaking the year’s previous record. Richards says because of the pandemic the station hasn’t set a goal for this year’s Radiothon but does hope to raise money for the kids.
Those interested in donating to St. Jude can call a phone bank line on Thursday and Friday to become a Partner in Home for $19 a month. Richards says those that become Partners in Hope will receive a t-shirt from St. Jude with a new slogan this year.
“I think St. Jude created a phrase that really encapsulates what we’ve gone through in the past year. And it’s ‘We Won’t Stop’. We won’t stop for St. Jude so we continue to raise money to cure cancer. That’s our ultimate goal.”
WDEZ is one of several stations across the country that participates in annual fundraisers for St. Jude. Live broadcasts for this year’s radiothon are scheduled each day from 6 AM to 6 PM.
