More than $206,000 raised for Mission Children’s Hospital thanks to radiothon

Press release

From Mission Health Foundation

ASHEVILLE. N.C. (Feb. 26, 2013) – Three events and four months later, the children served by Mission Children’s Hospital are the big winners as Mission Foundation and local Clear Channel radio station 99.9 KISS Country (WKSF-FM) announced the fifth annual KISS Country Cares for Kids Radiothon raised more than $206,000.

“Together with KISS Country, we set an ambitious goal to raise $160,000 for Mission Children’s Hospital. But, the community clearly said we could do better than that, and we did!” said Bruce Thorsen, President of Mission Foundation. “We are humbled by the generosity of this community, and it is our privilege to serve our region.”

Radio personalities Sharon Green and Eddie Foxx took to the airwaves for 27 hours during the KISS Country Cares for Kids Radiothon, Feb. 22-23 at the Reuter Family YMCA at Biltmore Park Town Square. To help listeners and social media followers have a better understanding how Mission Children’s Hospital makes a difference in children’s lives every day, they shared stories of children and families served by the region’s only children’s hospital. Foxx endured finger pricking and wore a thumping, therapeutic vest used by children with cystic fibrosis. Green interviewed members of the Child Life team who help children cope with illness, procedures and hospital stays. Children and their families attending the event enjoyed photos with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, face painting, clowns and much more.

Thorsen said, “Over the past five years, KISS Country has dedicated time, talent and resources to make it possible for so many children to receive world-class health care without regard to their family’s ability to pay. We are grateful for their dedication to the children. More than $600,000 has been raised by the radiothon since it began in 2009.”

About Mission Foundation
Mission Foundation, Inc. connects the generosity of a caring community with opportunities to improve lives through better healthcare. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) “public charity” governed by a volunteer board of 28 trustees representing the local community. Since its founding in 1985, Mission Hospital’s centennial year, the Foundation has solicited and received more than $132 million in gifts and grants from all parts of Western North Carolina, the state and the Southeast as well as nationally. During its history the Foundation has conducted successful major capital campaigns that have helped create several “Centers of Excellence” at Mission Hospital in Asheville. The Foundation is the only Asheville-based non-profit to have attained nationwide accreditation by Charity Wise Alliance of the U.S. Better Business Bureau, meeting all 20 national standards. More information is available at missionfoundation.org.