Radio One and Reach Media Raise $1.7 Million for St. Jude
ENTERTAINMENT
Photo Courtesy ALSAC/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Radio One and Reach Media, the audio divisions of Urban One, partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the annual Urban Cares for St. Jude Kids broadcast held March 12 and 13. The two-day event raised $1.7 million to support research and treatment of life-threatening childhood diseases.
The broadcast united urban music audiences across 13 markets through Radio One stations and Reach Media's nationally syndicated programs. Listeners heard patient stories and were encouraged to become Partners in Hope by making monthly pledges to St. Jude. The fundraising effort involved 25 stations and seven nationally syndicated shows nationwide.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Radio One's Urban AC stations participated for the first time, expanding the event's reach across additional markets. The two-day broadcast was anchored by Ryan Cameron Uncensored, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, The Willie Moore Jr. Show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and Posted on the Corner, along with local hosts who united communities behind St. Jude's lifesaving mission.
Listeners were inspired by social posts and special appearances from artists and faith leaders including Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Vashawn Mitchell, Canton Jones, Adia, and Jekalyn Carr. The combination of celebrity support and compelling patient stories drove audience engagement throughout the two-day event.
"For nearly twenty years, Urban One has rallied listeners across the nation on behalf of St. Jude families," said Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. "We are grateful to every listener, artist and celebrity who help make Urban Cares for St. Jude Kids so special. Their compassion and generosity help St. Jude give every child a chance to live their best life."
Long-Term Partnership
The partnership between Urban One and St. Jude represents one of the company's most significant ongoing commitments. The annual broadcast allows Radio One and Reach Media to support families during difficult moments while sharing the St. Jude mission with their audiences.
"Our partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been one of the most meaningful commitments we've made as a company," said Deon Levingston, co-president of Audio Division for Urban One. "This event affords the Radio One/Reach Media team the opportunity to play a part in supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We are proud to share the St. Jude mission with our listeners and grateful that they continue to respond each year."
Music Gives Initiative
The Urban Cares broadcast operates under the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids initiative, where music lovers and artists connect their passion for music to the St. Jude mission. Participants host and participate in radiothons, spread awareness on social media, and showcase Music Gives shirts within their communities.
Since 2008, Radio One's partnership in the Urban Cares program has helped ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus on helping their child live. The no-billing policy removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent families from accessing care.
St. Jude Mission and Impact
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital leads efforts to understand, treat, and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital's mission centers on finding cures and saving children. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.
When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, the hospital has helped push the overall survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent in the United States. St. Jude shares its breakthroughs to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers worldwide improve treatment quality and care for more children.
Supporters can become Partners in Hope by visiting stjude.org/musicgives. The ongoing partnership between Urban One and St. Jude demonstrates how media platforms can mobilize audiences around charitable causes while maintaining consistent annual engagement.