Albany Herald

ALBANY, Ga. -- Shoppers in the Albany Mall will have something else to look forward to other than sales early next month.

The Children's Miracle Network Radiothon will be conducted in the food court of the mall from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 3-4.

The event will be held for the purpose of raising donations for the organization to help children in the community through medical equipment, therapy tools, training for nurses and other things.

"Children's Miracle Network is a great cause, and everyone can relate to it because we were all children once," said Dona Lyn Goodpasture, the organization's coordinator.

From the perspective of those who deal with pediatric health care directly, a little amount of money can make an amazing difference.

"Children's Miracle Network makes it possible for us to purchase things we couldn't without the funds they raise," said Susan Banks, nurse shift supervisor in Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital's neonatal intensive care and pediatric units. "There are so many ways we benefit. (The organization) affects many people.

"You don't always know how many lives it influences. It's about the big things but the small things, too."

The fundraiser will be conducted with the help of volunteers as well as radio talent from local country station B100.

"(The cause) is important to us because of the kids in the community," said Kurt Baker, one of the station's personalities. "The kids are our future. You see some of these kids born premature and then see them grow up to be productive adults. That is rewarding."

Baker will be participating in the event along with fellow B100 personality Sarah Truelove.

The radiothon will also be used as an opportunity for families that have benefited from Children's Miracle Network to share their stories. Donors will be able to call in pledges via a telephone number to be announced at a later date.

"The event is a way for our listeners to bond," Baker said.

Last year's event raised roughly $37,000, a 23 percent increase from the previous year. Officials anticipate a similar response this year.

All of the donations stay in Southwest Georgia. Those wishing to volunteer at the event or seek more information are encouraged to call the Phoebe Foundation at (229) 312-4483.