Radiothon for Kids
2026 Recap
The Upstate Foundation’s Radiothon for Kids raised a record $285,318 in two days of fundraising, breaking last year's record by more than $64,000. Nearly 1,500 donors contributed to the Radiothon, which was held Feb. 10 and 11.
“Every phone call, every online gift, and every shared story during the Radiothon reminded us how much this community cares about our kids,” said Danielle Bright of the Upstate Foundation. “Central New York showed up in a big way, and the impact of that generosity will be felt by families at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital all year long.”
Bright added, “The Upstate Foundation sends a big embrace to all who contributed, especially iHeart Media and CNY Central, as well as to our sponsors, partners, and volunteers who made this event a success and in doing so helped change the lives of kids and families in our community.”
The Radiothon transformed the lobby of Upstate University Hospital into a TV and radio studio with help of media partners Newsradio 570WSYR, Y94 Mix 103.3, Now 105.7 and CNY Central. Among those featured on air during the radiothon were Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD; Pediatrics Chair Gregory Conners, MD, MBA; and among others. Parents, too, shared their personal stories of having their kids treated at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and commended the medical team and others for their outstanding care and support.
Throughout the Radiothon, CNY Central aired heartwarming stories during its newscasts of medical miracles taking place at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. One such story told of a four-year-old Trumansburg girl who lost her foot in a lawnmowing accident. Now fitted with a prosthetic foot, the child is back to playing soccer and thriving. You can see her story here.
Funds raised this year will be used primarily for unmet needs like meals and gas cards for families with hospitalized children, specialty equipment, comfort and care for families, and items for the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Child Life Program—kiddie cruiser strollers, red wagons, gaming & movie glasses, distraction toys, playroom supplies and more.
Since Radiothon began in 2003, the event has raised more than $2 million for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Volunteers working the phone bank came from all corners of campus.
Partner media stations
Radio: iHeartMedia stations NewsRadio 570 WSYR and Y94 in Central New York, and MIX 103.3 and NOW 105.7 in the Southern Tier
TV: CNY Central
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors
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Host and Sponsor
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Day Sponsors
Corporate and Individual Sponsors
Carrols Corporation
Camillus Elks Lodge No. 0031
Dr. Campanino Family Dentistry
Chimera Integrations
CSEA Region 5
Delmonico Insurance
Delta Sonic
Diana Jewelers
Driver’s Village
Empower Federal Credit Union
Great Lakes Honda City
Gretchen’s Confections, LLC
HealtheConnections
Kinney Drugs Foundation
Lachman & Gorton Law Office
Maguire Foundation
Markert USA
Matthews Auto
Mirabito Energy Products
Mooney Marketing Group
National Carpet and Flooring
NBT Bank
OMF Events
Peppino’s
Sapphire Recruitment
SECNY Federal Credit Union
Shining Stars Daycare
SKS Orthodontics
Syracuse Vintage Race Boats
Tops Friendly Markets
Tully’s Good Times
Upstate Medical University – Office of the President
Upstate University Hospital – Department of Pediatrics
YMCA of Central New York
Phyllis & Mark Zames