The 2019 Hasbro Children's Hospital Radiothon

Celebrating its 15th Anniversary, Radiothon Raises $428,190 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Hasbro Children’s Hospital leadership and Cumulus Providence staff and on-air talent celebrate the $428,190 raised for the hospital during the 15th annual Radiothon broadcast on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

A heightened sense of excitement filled the air as the 15th anniversary of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Radiothon broadcast live from the hospital on Thursday, April 4. Across 15 emotional hours, Hasbro Children’s patients and families took to the airwaves to share their stories of healing, inspiring a region of listeners to come together to raise $428,190. The funds will support patient care, lifesaving programs, and research.

“Radiothon is simply amazing in how it brings thousands of people together to make a difference in the lives of pediatric patients and their families – we could not be more grateful to our community for its generosity,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Cumulus and the on-air talent are truly special partners. To see them holding babies and talking with families is not only moving, but underscores their commitment to kids and to our hospital.”

A partnership between Cumulus Providence radio stations (92 PRO-FM, Lite Rock 105, News Talk 630 & 99.7 WPRO, and Hot 106) and Hasbro Children’s, the Radiothon began at 6 a.m. and continued until 9 p.m. As listeners across Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts were introduced to patients and their journeys with brain cancer, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, organ transplantation and more, over 100 volunteers answered phones to accept donations throughout the day.

During the event, listeners also followed the Radiothon through its Facebook page, where they were able to “meet” some of the participating families, see quotes from their favorite radio personalities about what the day means to them, and view photos in real-time. At noon, hospital staff led everyone who had gathered in singing “Happy Birthday,” commemorating the Radiothon’s milestone year with a special cake.

Hailey Fish, 7, and her brother, Owen Lincoln, 11, help blow out the candles on the special cake celebrating commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Radiothon.

“As we celebrate 15 years together with Hasbro Children’s, I am especially proud of the on-air team for their passion for helping the hospital and for the special way they invite their listeners to donate to the cause,” said Holly Paras, market manager for Cumulus Providence. “The generosity we witness at Radiothon is beyond profound. It’s inspiring to see the way our southeastern New England community responds to this event.”

Among the sponsors, volunteers, and supporters of the 15th Annual Hasbro Children’s Hospital Radiothon were Alexander’s Uniforms; Cox Business; Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille; Dunkin’; East Commerce Solutions, Inc.; Hasbro, Inc.; Jordan’s Furniture; Lamar; Marshall Building & Remodeling Company; Murray Outdoor Communications; Nathan Clark & Associates; Not Your Average Joe’s Kitchen & Bar; Pepsico; Providence Auto Body; Rhode Island Monthly; Rhode Island Public Transit Authority; Seastreak Ferry; Shaw’s Foundation; Subway; Sweet Indulgence Bakery; UNO Pizzeria & Grill; and Warwick Ice Cream.

Since its inception, the Radiothon has raised more than $8.4 million for Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

After going on-air with his mother to share his story as a Hasbro Children’s patient, seven-year-old Kai Vitolo joined volunteers at the phone bank to take calls from donors.