Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert recently raised more than $77,000 at its 21st annual KPLM Variety Cares for Kids Radiothon.
The two-day fundraiser was broadcast live on Marker Broadcasting’s KPLM The Big 106, and called for pledges to purchase bikes and helmets for Coachella Valley fourth graders who have been nominated by their teachers as good citizens.
The $77,000 raised allowed Variety to purchase 400 bicycles to give to deserving students Dec. 11 at Palm Springs Motors. Technicians at Palm Springs Motors helped assemble the bikes and volunteers and those who pledged assisted in the distribution. To ensure the kids’ safety, Walter Clark Legal Group purchased 400 helmets to accompany the giveaway.
“It is just the start of the holiday season and we are truly grateful for the community’s support and those of our sponsors that help make this event a success,” said Michael Mathews, Board President of Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert. “For most if not all kids, this is the first bicycle they received and we celebrated seeing the joy on their faces.”
More than 35 volunteers answered phones from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the two-day broadcast where stories of past donations were shared and generous listeners helped raise the much-needed funds.
In addition to the radiothon, Variety presented Josh Snyder with an adaptive bike to meet his needs. Josh, 12, was born three months premature and developed cerebral palsy. Until now, he was never able to experience the joy of riding a bicycle. Josh now plans to ride in the 2017 Tour de Palm Springs in January.
Tiger Man helps distribute bicycles to kids.
Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children who are underprivileged and/or have special needs in the Coachella Valley. Since 1987, they have donated 45 Ford 12-passenger vans to other nonprofit groups throughout Greater Palm Springs.
Sponsors of the event include, KPLM The Big 106, Palm Springs Life, Palm Springs Motors and Walter Clark Legal Group.
Visit varietyofthedesert.org for more information and to volunteer, or call 760-773-9800.