Radio Station Surpasses Goal Benefiting LLU Children’s Hospital

REDLANDS>> Temecula pop powerhouse 101.3 FM The Mix raised $9,135 to benefit the patients of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital during the 7th annual 101.3 The Mix Cares Radiothon and Auction, which was held Friday, Sept. 23. Representatives from the station visited LLUCH Wednesday, Oct. 12 to present a check to patients. “We had so much more involvement this year,” said Karan McGlynn, senior account executive at The Mix. “The energy was high. We had a goal and wouldn't leave until we reached it. We are so blessed and happy to have been a part of it.” Over the last seven years, The Mix has raised more than $55,000 for LLUCH. Rachelle Bussell, senior vice president for advancement at Loma Linda University Health extended her appreciation to The Mix during the check presentation. “We cannot thank you enough,” she said. “We know it takes a lot of work and intentional effort to raise this kind of money, and you're making a difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve.” Participation in the radiothon was not limited to people in the Temecula/Murrieta area, according to Tiffany Hoekstra, senior development officer for Corporate Champions at LLUCH Foundation. “People could also listen online,” Hoekstra said. “In addition to the station’s local service area, we received donations from Loma Linda, Las Vegas and other areas. People were just calling in from everywhere.” Hoekstra explained that besides the radiothon, the station — which is also known as KATY FM — played recorded patient testimonials and held an auction in which sports memorabilia, hotel stays and amusement park tickets were sold to the highest bidder. She adds that the station also indulged in a bit of monkey business. “For every $25 donated, a cuddly monkey doll, called The Mix Monkey, was sent to a patient at Children’s Hospital,” she said. “The donor’s name was inscribed on the monkey’s wristband.” While noting that all funds raised by the event will go directly to the Vision 2020 campaign at LLUCH to help ensure that patients receive the best care, Hoekstra added that this year’s radiothon was one of the most successful to date. “The best year was 2012 when it brought in $9,700. This year’s $9,135 is outstanding,” she said. “People are starting to recognize the importance of this annual event and are looking forward to supporting it each year.” Mike Hood, director of sales and operations manager for 101.3 The Mix, outlined the reason the station has hosted the event for the last seven years. “There is no greater cause to everyone at All Pro Broadcasting,” Hood stated. “Many of us have toured Children’s Hospital and to say that all of the staff there are amazing doesn’t give enough credit to the quality of care that the children and their families receive. I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you for blessing our children and for wearing a smile when smiles are hard to come by.” Hoekstra concluded with a note of gratitude. “We could not be more grateful to the management and staff of 101.3 The Mix for their willingness to do this year after year," Hoekstra said. "They really care about kids and it shows.”