Townsquare Media Raises $2.2 Million During St. Jude Country Cares Fundraisers
Taste of Country and Townsquare Media are celebrating a record-breaking $2.2 million raised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A two-day, 20-station radiothon earlier this month was the most successful in the media company's history.
The $2.2 million raised tops last year's total of $2 million, but perhaps most promisingly speaks to the potential to do better in 2020 and years to come. Absolute digital intergeneration and a growing number of radio stations involved helped spike totals. This is the sixth-straight year the digital and radio sides of the media company have partnered to support St. Jude Country Cares. For the first time, ToC sister site the Boot joined the effort.
"Local radio is the heartbeat of Townsquare. That heart certainly beats just a bit faster when it comes to St. Jude and ALSAC," says Kurt Johnson, Senior Vice President of Programming for Townsquare Media, Inc. "I'm so proud of the 20 markets that participated in this year’s radiothon, and am equally proud of our Townsquare digital team who joined our hosts to take engagement and donations to a record high. Our people truly went all-in to support kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases this year."
More than $800 million has been raised in 30 years of Country Cares — an effort first started by singer Randy Owen at the urging of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. More than 200 stations will take part in 2019, all reminding listeners of the great strides made in cure rates and that no family ever receives a bill during or after their stay.
Country Artists at St. Jude Through the Years: