Buffalo Radio: Cumulus Stations Raise $589,049 for Kids Hospital

Participants Identified Below

Cumulus Buffalo radio stations 103.3 The Edge/WEDG-FM, Classic Hits 104.1/WHTT-FM, and 97 Rock/WGRF-FM teamed with its generous listeners on Wednesday, May 21st, to raise a whopping $589,049 for Buffalo’s John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH) through the second annual Giving Day for OCH. 

The successful 24-hour fundraising effort leveraged Cumulus Buffalo’s popular on-air and online music platform and passionate listener community to raise funds for critical programs, services and care for the most vulnerable moms, kids, and babies in Western New York.

The fundraising event aired across the three Cumulus Buffalo stations from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to encourage community giving on May 21st, also the birthday of MVP quarterback Josh Allen, one of the hospital’s most dedicated champions and supporters. With a gift of $10,000 or more, area businesses could sponsor one of the 12 on-air hours. During the broadcast, businesses received recognition while also encouraging the audience to donate to OCH in honor of Giving Day.

This year’s community initiative generated funds to support local children and families navigating, battling, and overcoming serious illnesses, and topped the success of the inaugural Giving Day in 2024—which raised $435,000 from more than 1,100 donors across Western New York.

As a non-profit hospital and community asset, Oishei Children’s Hospital cares for all who need it, no matter their insured status or ability to pay. Donations made on Giving Day help ensure the hospital has the most advanced technology and training to support critical care, mental and behavioral health, family and patient support services, and other impactful programs at the hospital.

Beth Coughlin, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Buffalo/Syracuse/Erie, said: “The collective effort between the Cumulus Media and Digital team and Oishei Children's Hospital is unparalleled in its results. Sharing the stories of patient and family care and the magical staff that makes it all happen resonated with Western New Yorkers and moved them to action. We are honored to advance the mission of helping kids get back to being a kid!"

Dr. Stephen Turkovich, President of Oishei Children’s Hospital commented: “Giving Day FOR Oishei Children’s Hospital is more than a fundraiser. It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together with a united purpose, we can transform lives, strengthen families, and secure a healthier future for every child who comes through our doors.”

Oishei Children’s Hospital cares for 60,000 patients annually and serves as a regional center for trauma, surgery, and specialty pediatric care for moms, kids, and infants across all eight counties of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. OCH is one of 43 standalone children’s hospitals in the nation, and the only one of its kind in New York State.

To donate to OCH and make a difference in area children’s and families’ lives, visit: GivingDayFOROCH.org.

PHOTO ID's (Left to Right):

• Melissa Bean, Director of Special Events & Sponsor Relations, OCH
• Emily Reese, Cumulus Media Promotions Assistant
• Lexi Ziccardi, Cumulus Media Promotions Director
• Kristen Bieber, Vice President of Marketing, OCH
• Pam Trevino, Chief Quality and Safety Officer, OCH
• Matthew Gorczyca, Manager of Annual Giving, OCH
• Joe Siragusa, Cumulus Media Operations Manager
• Amanda Dzielski, Manager of Corporate Partnerships, OCH
• Laura Daniels, Classic Hits 104.1 Morning Show Host
• Miranda Georger Neil, Director of Finance, OCH
• Erin Hartnett, Director of Development, Principal & Major Gifts & Annual Giving, OCH
• Jessica Mabie, Chief Operating Officer, OCH
• Alessia Gervasi, Cumulus Media Digital Content Specialist