A hundred more donors plus matching funds from a local couple equaled a lot of extra money raised this year through Akron Children’s Hospital’s largest annual fundraiser.
The 13th annual Have A Heart, Do Your Part radiothon on WKDD (98.1-FM) this past weekend raised $716,483.98 — an increase of more than $271,100 from last year’s event.
And money still is arriving daily, thanks to “Change Bandits” throughout the community who are continuing to turn in cash they have collected, said Nicci Avalon, Children’s Miracle Network program manager for Akron Children’s Hospital.
“We definitely took a huge leap this year,” she said.
A large portion of the increase can be credited to local entrepreneur Randy Theken and his fiancee, Julie Amsden, who agreed to match pledges made during the last two days of the radiothon on Friday and Saturday, Avalon said. Their donation totaled $189,567.25.
Theken is the founder of four orthopedic medical device companies known as the Theken Family of Companies.
In a prepared statement, Theken said they were inspired to make the donation by their love of children, “especially those in need,” and their respect for William Considine, longtime president and chief executive of Akron Children’s Hospital.
“It’s just an incredible gift to have in our community, as many may not fully appreciate the resources it takes to keep the doors open and remain as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country,” Theken said. “This can only be achieved through the continued support of our community. Our support at this year’s radiothon was really nothing more than being a conduit to hopefully inspire others to open their hearts and support the Children’s Hospital, especially in a year of difficult economic times.”
About 100 more people donated to the hospital through the radiothon this year than last year, Avalon said.
The money raised through the event goes into the hospital’s general fund and can be used in “our area of greatest need,” Avalon said.
“There are programs and services that insurance doesn’t cover that make Children’s an extra-special place,” she said. “Those funds help us to be able to do that.”
Donations still can be made by calling 330-543-8185 or through the hospital’s website, www.akronchildrens.org/giving.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Powell on Twitter at twitter.com/abjcherylpowell.
