The recent ThinkCure “radiotelewebethon” exceeded its goals, raising nearly $241,000 to fund cancer research at City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.
ThinkCure, the official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers, aimed to raise more than $200,000 through the event, held during ThinkCure weekend Aug. 21 and 22. The weekend featured cancer awareness efforts on television, radio and the Web and at Dodger Stadium.
 Outfielder Matt Kemp warms up with a few practice swings before a Dodgers game on ThinkCure weekend. (Jon SooHoo Photography/Los Angeles Dodgers) |
The radiotelewebethon included radio flagship KABC 790 AM and 95.5 KLOS FM, television’s PRIME TICKET and KCAL 9, and Web coverage on dodgers.com and thinkcure.org.
As part of the effort, patients and research teams from City of Hope and Childrens Hospital attended pre-game ceremonies. Patients were interviewed for awareness segments on radio and television, as well.
In addition, Dodgers players Casey Blake, Jonathan Broxton, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Russell Martin and many others discussed on the air how cancer has touched their lives. Manager Joe Torre and Dodgers owner Frank McCourt spoke live about cancer awareness on KABC’s “McIntyre in the Morning” radio show and the “Mark & Brian Show” on KLOS on Aug. 21. PRIME TICKET also featured appearances by McCourt, former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and several players that day.
Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who lost both of his parents to cancer, matched the first $25,000 donated through the telethon. In addition, Dodgers legends Don Newcombe and Eric Karros donated $1,000 each.
The weekend featured creative fundraising efforts including an eight-hour telethon on PRIME TICKET, as well as the ability to donate $5 instantly by mobile phone.
During the Dodgers’ games against the Chicago Cubs, fans donating $100 or more were invited to a ThinkCure suite to take photos with an array of Dodgers legends, including Maury Wills, Tommy Davis, Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Bill Russell and other stars.
Hollywood stars also added their names. The Jonas Brothers, Larry King, Rob Lowe, George Lopez, Nathan Followill from the band Kings of Leon, and World Wrestling Entertainment star John Cena recorded messages of support for ThinkCure.
The weekend included an online auction, as well. The auction featured unique experiences such as a visit with the Dodgers’ Vin Scully in his broadcast booth, an insider tour of Dodger Stadium and a special hosted trip to spring training in 2010. For more details, visit www.thinkcure.org.
