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U.VA. CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER RADIOTHON RAISES $34K

Charlottesville area residents showed a strong spirit of holiday giving last weekend by raising $34,000 for the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center at the Share the Joy for Kids Radiothon, sponsored by Clear Channel Radio.

More than 150 volunteers from civic clubs and area businesses helped host the Radiothon, which took place at Santa's North Pole in Seminole Square. In addition to live radio broadcasts featuring U.Va. pediatricians and former patients and their families, the 72-hour marathon fund raiser featured information about child car seat safety, patient services and a raffle for a Harley Davidson motorcycle, as well as visits with Santa.

We're extremely excited about the response of the whole community to the Radiothon, said Steve Gaines, vice president and general manager of Clear Channel Radio. All of our on-air staff helped out and were very glad to be affiliated with the Children's Medical Center, because it's a very good and special place.

Radiothon proceeds will help fund programs such as pediatric medical research, expansion of the U.Va. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and pediatric programs for the School of Medicine. The CMC plans to hold the Radiothon annually.

Corporate sponsors included Sprint and Sprint PCS, 7-Up and the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, The Merchants of Seminole Square, Brady Bushey Ford, Lloyd’s Hallmark, Crutchfield Corporation, Albemarle 1st Bank, F-Stop Photo, Domino's Pizza and Snow’s Garden Center.

December 7, 2000