Maurice rings in the new year
by Maurice
As we prepare to celebrate the new year, I want to tell you about something special we did this month to close out 2009.On Friday, December 18, the folks at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago were hard at work raising money in the first annual Easter Seals radiothon. Citadel Talk WLS-AM/Chicago teamed up with Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago to air a 13-hour radiothon to raise money and awareness. Award-winning host Pat Cassidy broadcast live from the phone bank located inside the Starbucks store at the Hotel Intercontinental, and People from Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago volunteered their time answering lots of phone calls and taking pledges from many callers. The phones were ringing off the hook!
Cassidy featured local celebrities during the radiothon, he offered facts about autism, and he interviewed families affected by autism. I was fortunate enough to make my voice heard throughout the radiothon. I was interviewed by Pat Cassidy numerous times about this spectacular project we have going on at Easter Seals. My mission was to encourage those willing to donate their dollars towards a new therapeutic pool and fitness area for students and clients at the Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. My story of inspiration at Easter Seals encouraged thousands of callers to donate money to a worthy cause.
After that, I was willing to brave the elements of Chicago weather to encourage those outside the hotel to donate money, Salvation Army style. Which means I was Santa Claus, ringing a bell with a bucket for people to donate money. Sure it was cold along the Magnificent Mile, but we were fortunate to raise money needed for services.
In the end, we got on the radio to thank those who contributed in any way for Easter Seals. Cassidy also let listeners know that :
One hundred percent of the proceeds of the Radiothon will go to Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research and related services. No administrative costs!
Thank you, WLS Radio. Happy New Year!