Since I left radio nearly five years ago (wow - really?) I've had the pleasure of working on some tremendous projects in the City of Edmonton.
Included in those was three National coast to coast Radiothons for Astral Media (now Bell) where we raised $21 million dollars for child related medical needs - fund raising for the yet to be built $20 million dollar www.jerryforbescentre.ca - and the amazing www.edmontonsingingchristmastree.com where over $300,000 has been directed to www.santasanonymous.com and www.edmontonsfoodbank.com and I've truly enjoyed working with the folks at www.makeawishna.ca
All were, or are, tremendously rewarding projects and I've met some of the most dedicated and wonderful people in the world - those that care about helping out others!
My blog today is to announce Year Three of the Capital Cares Radiothon for Make-a-Wish Northern Alberta Radiothon, which will be held on Friday, November 29th, 2013 with Newcap Edmonton's CAPITAL FM. www.963capitalfm.com
Radiothon's do TWO things.
First, and most importantly it raises cash necessary to send these children and their families on requested 'wishes.'
Each wish is different, and it's not just simply heading for Disneyland/Disneyworld.
Some are as easy as meeting a personality - an Edmonton Oiler - a Musician/Band - while others are a little more complicated, like 'swimming with dolphins.'
One that will bring joy and maybe a few tears to your eyes is the story of (then) 11 year old Cayden wanting to be a rock star.
Enjoy: http://youtu.be/Oq2_h6KU4aw
Next, these Radiothons bring 'awareness' to the great work done within the public service industry.
Many people behind the scenes work long and hard on these wishes and do the impossible 'ask' of people, and companies, to bring joy to the families of wish kids.
Fund raising goes on 'year round' and the more people help out and spread the word the better the fund raising goes.
During our Capital Cares for Make-a-Wish Radiothon, which is supported by www.edmontonsun.com we bring the families in to the Newcap Edmonton studios to record the families story.
These are hard hitting interviews and it's very common for the Capital FM hosts to shed a tear or two when hearing what Mom, Dad, the Grandparents, brothers/sisters and friends have to endure due to the 'wish kid's' particular medical challenges.
When you hear the stories it's just so eye opening for all of us and most often I head home to hug both of my daughters, one of whom also has had some 'major' medical challenges to face herself over the past several years. www.rayannesthoughts.blogspot.ca
This November we will once again be asking for your support by donating to the cause.
It costs just under $8,000 now to make the 'average' wish come true - and we hope to make several of these happen again next year with your support.
As well - and this is KEY to the success of this years Radiothon as it is an extremely busy time of the year, we are hoping that YOU, YOUR COMPANY, YOUR FAMILY, and YOUR FRIENDS might think about doing some sort of an event or a promotion yourselves sometime this fall where you can raise money for the Make-a-Wish Radiothon.
It could be simple. A bottle run to the depot. Bake sale in the office. A fun run. Anything!
There are lots of great ideas you can find so that your family or group can join with us in the Radiothon this year and the key is to have 'fun' as well as to raise money to help somebody else.
It's really not that tough.
During the broadcast day in November, we will get you (and your group) on the air where an 'official' thank you will be made.
You'll likely meet some of the kids and their families and get to know them as well as see their appreciation for your efforts.
It's not a cliche when we say "every penny will help!"
It all adds up.
The best line I heard on a Celebrity Radiothon a few years back was when Stevie Wonder was talking to a person on the phone who was donating money.
Stevies response was a classic.
"It takes a whole lotta littles to make a whole lotta lots!"
I'll simply never forget that.
Please listen to 96.3 Capital FM. Check their website out - as well as the Make-a-Wish Northern Alberta website - as well as both of their Facebook sites.
Both are on Twitter too: @capitalfm - @MakeaWishNAB - or mine - @mjforbes as we will being sending out information on the 2013 Radiothon in the coming weeks.
If you'd like to contact Make-a-Wish directly please contact Cathy.Gabucci@makeawish.ca or Amber.benders@makeawish.ca
They'd be happy to fill you in on the details of the event and provide you with any assistance you may require with your fund raising initatives.
And most sincerely "Thank You" from all of us!
