Bob’s Buddies Radiothon nets $172,000

Radio listeners in the Raleigh, N.C., area gave generously to Bob’s Buddies last week, contributing $172,292 to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF). The total includes donations, pledges and proceeds from an online auction, as well as funds that came in after the Nov. 24 event.

The 12-hour radiothon, hosted by Bob and the Showgram on G105, also raised awareness about the deadliest form of childhood cancer. Interviews with several young brain tumor patients and their families highlighted the struggles they face in dealing with such a frightening disease.

“Every single penny means the world to [us],” said Elise, whose 3-year-old son, Cooper, is in treatment for a brain tumor. Listeners also heard from Dr. Duane Mitchell of Duke University, who talked about the latest advances in research and therapy.

The PBTF is thankful that events like Bob’s Buddies help fund that work, said the foundation’s president, Dianne Traynor. “We want to thank G105, Bob and the Showgram and their listening audience for their generous support. It will help us save lives.”

The cause is close to the heart of host Bob Dumas, who has battled a brain tumor of his own. “How amazing are the people of North Carolina and how thankful are we for their generous giving!” Dumas said. “We're so proud to be a part of the PBTF family."

The donors included a pair of fourth graders who asked for Bob’s Buddies donations in lieu of birthday gifts. They raised more than $1,700 in memory of their late classmate, Nicholas Weis. Another contributor was brain tumor survivor Valarie Asadian, whose “Push the Pace” fundraiser brought in $3,600.

The week before the radiothon, Bob and the Showgram featured Bob’s Buddies as the theme of their float in Raleigh's Christmas parade. The televised event was seen by an estimated 60,000 attendees and 250,000 viewers.

Many sponsors contributed to the success of Bob’s Buddies. Thanks go to Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits, Sweet Tomatoes, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Coldstone Creamery, Jason’s Deli, Bean Street Coffee Company, Aéropostale of Triangle Town Center, ATCOM and Windstream Communications.

The PBTF’s next radiothons are in February 2011 in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Phoenix.

You can still give online:

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation®
302 Ridgefield Ct.
Asheville, NC 28806

828-665-6891
800-253-6530
828-665-6894 (fax)
e-mail: info@pbtfus.org
website: www.pbtfus.org

All materials of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® and Ride for Kids® contained herein or elsewhere are copyrighted ©.