KTAR Radiothon for PCH raises $850,000+

The inaugural "KTAR Radiothon for PCH" was the first radiothon in the country broadcast on two radio stations - News/Talk 92.3 and Sports 620 - while simultaneously conducting an intensive web-based promotion that included live blogging, online giving and an eBay auction at KTAR.com. And it paid off, big-time.

"I am continually amazed and grateful for the unwavering support of our community for Phoenix Children's Hospital," said Phoenix Children's Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Steve Schnall. "I am inspired by the heartfelt dedication and passion of the entire KTAR team."

KTAR Vice President and General Manager Scott Sutherland praised the local community for its charitable nature.

"Obviously it's no secret that we're in a tough economic climate here in Arizona, so to see a response like this is simply incredible," he said.

The radiothon featured compelling, emotional stories of PCH patients and families that were chronicled on-air and in a real-time blog that also wove in live comments from the general public. View a recap of the blog here.

The radiothon was hosted by numerous KTAR News and Sports personalities, including Darrell Ankarlo, Ned and Connie, Mac and Gaydos, Jayme West, Pat McMahon, Rob Hunter, Diane Brennan, Doug and Wolf, Gambo and Ash, Dave Burns and Paul Calvisi.

Radiothon Executive Producer Ryan Hatch said combining the personalities helped make this a truly special event.

"I am so proud to work with such a strong group of professionals who know how to tell amazing, heartfelt stories - all to benefit PCH," he said.

KTAR Programming Chief Russ Hill was impressed with the number of individual donations that poured in over the two day radiothon.

"[They] just kept coming in in five, 10 and 20 dollar increments," he said.

"Clearly PCH touches thousands and thousands of kids and families in this community and we are all blown away by how many of them responded to the radiothon."

The radiothon was underwritten by presenting sponsors Five Star Ford and Health Net Arizona and featured the Foresters Phone Bank and the Wendy's Toteboard.

Valley residents who did not give during the radiothon can still do so by clicking here.