WKZX 93.5 FM hands $33,448 check to Children's Hospital officials in the name of all Latinos in East Tennessee. (Left to right) Milton Pineda, Coral Getino, Keith Goodwin, Children's Hospital President and CEO, Mercedes Cuevas, Silvestro Perrina, David Rule, Director of Development. Photo credit: Mercedes Cuevas
It was not easy at the beginning. The first Latino Radiothon to benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, organized by La Lider WKZX 93.5 FM through Children’s Miracle Network took almost 2 years to organize. It started late on Wednesday, October 27, after solving technical difficulties due to the strong storms of the beginning of last week. But by the time it ended late on Friday evening, staff and radio volunteers screamed with emotion the amount in unison! It reached $33,448!!
Ten local businesses and organizations (HoLa Hora Latina, Salon Nony de Belleza, API Connecciones Latinas con Dish y Direct TV, Promociones Ortiz, Mi Vida Today, Mi Banco, Mayra Moreno, Cocina Practica, Musica Ambientel, and La Rumba) pitched in to help with the 3-day long Spanish radiothon, many with daily visits to the station located in Lenoir City as volunteer hosts. Recorded testimonies and spontaneous calls from patients’ parents urged the audience to contribute to the noble cause. With $15 per month, or 50 cents a day, each one of us can create a miracle… And another miracle happened!
The magic of the radio waves and the concerted effort to work together made it possible. East Tennessee Latinos answered the call… Generously! In 3 days we raised 33K!! Donations came $10 or $15 at a time, from Loudon, Maryville, Athens, Knoxville, from people who do not have much to spare, so they are so much more meaningful. And they totaled the magic number, 33K, like the resilient miners who were rescued in Chile less than a month ago.
The empowering feeling of working together… The hope this check will bring to children and parents at the hospital… The blessings these donors will receive… And the proud feeling of giving… beyond all expectations! A historic event, the first Spanish Radiothon of East Tennessee! Thanks Mr. Anthony, and WKZX 93.5 FM!
¡Vivan los latinos de East Tennessee!
Coral Getino
