First Annual Cure the Kids Radiothon
surpasses all expectations, raises $110,000

The first annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation radiothon was held at the Asheville Mall on January 26 and 27th of this year. Some of the WNC BTS members volunteered their time and worked to be a part of this tremendous event. There was music, games and prizes while the radio announcer's Chuck Marsh and Drew Montgomery kept us entertained live at the mall and on the air at KISS FM. It was a great event and we all look forward to helping again members next year!

The inaugural Cure the Kids Radiothon to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was a stunning success, raising more than $110,000. The fun-filled and informative on-air radio promotion on Asheville's KISS Country 99.9 FM Jan. 26 and 27 also brought thousands of radio listeners in touch with the lives and life experiences of families dealing with childhood brain tumors.

Both the parents and children in these families were featured on numerous radio interviews during the 30-hour event, which also featured brain tumor researchers, clinicians, Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, representatives of corporate sponsors for the event, volunteers and PBTF staff members led by Development Director Aggie Alexander. Radio listeners from western North Carolina made contributions along with donors from 10 states and Iraq who listened in via the internet.

As of Monday, Jan. 29, the total amount raised had topped $110,277, and a new source of funding was launched to bring increased research and family support to the work of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The success of the radiothon, coupled with expectations for a record-setting year in 2007 in the Ride for Kids® events, ensures the PBTF will be able to continue to serve the patient community and advance its expansive pediatric brain tumor research program.

Among those who went beyond the call of duty over the weekend were Drew Montgomery and Chuck Marsh, two extraordinary on-air personalities at KISS Country 99.9 FM. They put their hearts and talents into two exhausting 15-hour stints to make this a memorable first for both western North Carolina and the PBTF. Sincere gratitude is also due to the radiothon's premier sponsor, Beverly-Hanks & Associates, along with other supporting sponsors and other local businesses whose staff served as vital volunteers, including Wachovia, Charter Communications, the Asheville Mall Chick-Fil-A, Dixon-Hughes, Biltmore Press, Lenny's Sub Shop, Earth Fare, Progress Energy, Parsec Financial Management, The Tarrants Agency-Allstate, Bank of America and the Asheville Renaissance Hotel.

Special thanks also to Janet Cloyde, Director of Operations for Charter Communications and Chair of the Radiothon Committee, who worked tirelessly to pull all of this together.

Donations can still be made through their online donation pages. You'll be helping the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Foundation search for a cure for this deadliest type of children's cancer. By becoming a Friend of the Kids for just $18 a month you will receive a limited edition, first annual Cure the Kids Radiothon T-shirt. If you prefer, you can make a single donation.

Any amount will help and will make a difference in the lives of the 3,400 children who will be diagnosed with a brain tumor this year.

Check out their website for further information.

Click on the pictures below in order to view a full size picture.

Even Mayor Terry Bellamy came out to show her support.	Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Co-Founder, Mike Traynor with Drew and Chuck.	Matthew, Rosemarie, Mark and his daughter, PBTFUS president Mike Traynor, George
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