The residents of southwest Kansas are a very generous group according to Mick Kayless from the Children's Miracle Network office in Wichita.  When he first proposed the idea of a Radiothon to Jill Whippo, Coordinator of the program at St. Catherine Hospital, he anticipated that it would raise about $15,000 or so.

However, with the generous help of Gil Wohler, general manager of the Western Kansas Broadcast Center and his entire staff, the event was an overwhelming success.  Commerce Bank of Garden City was also a tremendous supporter of the Radiothon.  The total amount raised was $62,101.00.  Volunteers manned the phones at the station for two days, 6 am to 6 pm, taking calls for pledges.  The phones were provided by Alltell.

The money raised stays in western Kansas and will help provide assistance for children and families who are in need of it.  The Mission of the Children's Miracle Network is to generate funds and awareness for programs to benefit sick and injured children throughout the state.  St. Catherine Hospital has been in partnership with CMN since 1999, administering its statewide "individual assistance" program to over 200 children and their families in western Kansas.  Funds help to purchase necessary medication and supplies, medical equipment items, travel/lodging expense, nutritional supplements and more.