A total of $117,628 was raised to help sick and injured babies and children throughout our region during the Second Annual Cat Country 98.7 Cares for Kids Radiothon on Aug. 21. All funds raised will support the construction of the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope, the region’s only pediatric oncology center, at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. The center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2021.

Participating radio stations included Cat Country 98.7, News Radio 92.3, ESPN Pensacola 1330AM/99.1FM and Pensacola Playlist 94.5. Throughout the event, listeners heard stories of bravery and inspiration from children and families who have benefited from the care and expertise of the hospital’s highly trained physicians and staff. In addition to pledges from individuals, many businesses called in to make pledges and challenged other businesses to make donations, as well.

“We are grateful for another successful Radiothon!” said Carol Carlan, President, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. “Once again, our community steps up to help our kids. Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors who joined us to make miracles happen every day!”

Carlan said that a special donation of $75,000 came from the late Peter Fodor of Pensacola, a generous donor and community supporter who designated the gift for Radiothon to support the Children’s Hospital.

Morning Cohost Brent Lane said, “The mission of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital and the mission of Cat Country 98.7 are the same — to serve our local community. We like to be helpers and are proud to join Ascension Sacred Heart in helping kids and families right here in Cat Country.”

Wind Creek Hospitality matched funds donated up to $20,000. Other sponsors included Gulf Winds Credit Union.

The community’s local Children’s Miracle Network hospital, the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart is a 126-bed facility that serves as the only children’s hospital in Northwest Florida. The Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of services to meet all of a child’s medical needs, from a pediatric emergency room and neonatal intensive care unit to pediatric intensive care, cancer care, rehabilitation and a medical staff of more than 120 board-certified doctors across 30 pediatric specialties. The Children’s Hospital provides quality, compassionate care to children, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay. For more information about the services available at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, visit studerfamilychildrenshospital.com.

To make a gift in support of the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope, please go to https://givesacredheart.org/donate/