Shriners Hospitals for Children Raises $200,000 with Radiothon

SPRINGFIELD — Shriners Hospitals for Children would like to thank its friends at MIX 93-1 and NewsRadio 560 WHYN for hosting the hospital’s fifth annual Love to the Rescue Radiothon, which raised $200,000.

“Zito & Kera from MIX 93-1 along with Jim Polito from The Jim Polito Show and the entire crew did an outstanding job on the air and behind the scenes to make this an overwhelmingly successful event,” said Karen Motyka, the hospital’s director of Development. “Words can’t convey our gratitude and appreciation for the love and support expressed by the community and our sponsors. Smith & Wesson has been our lead sponsor for all five years, and a new phone bank sponsor was the Safari Golf Club of Southampton. Other sponsors include Diversified Metals, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., the Shivering Shamrocks of McCarthy’s Pub, Dunkin’ Donuts, City Tire, New England Orthopedic Surgeons, Rovithis Realty, LLC, Raymour & Flanigan, Paul Santaniello from JP Santaniello Retirement Solutions, and the Springfield Thunderbirds. Many children will benefit from this wonderful event and from the kindness of friends and strangers who too have found a place in their heart for Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield.”

Mark Smith, president, Manufacturing Services at Smith & Wesson, noted that “the work performed at the Shriners Hospitals for Children is nothing short of miraculous. From the moment a family walks through the doors, they are treated with respect and kindness and an attitude that no challenge is too large to tackle. It is always amazing to see the community come together through volunteer time, pledges, and excitement in support of such a great organization. At Smith & Wesson, we are proud of our community support and honored to have had the opportunity to support the Radiothon.”

Added Lee Kirk, hospital administrator, “it was an exciting two days, with the phone-bank volunteers taking calls from donors and many friends of the hospital walking in off the street with donations in hand. We are so grateful to everyone for their support of our mission in providing care regardless of the patients’ and families’ ability to pay. It was a fabulous event.”