News Releases

25th ANNUAL ALL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TELETHON RAISES $4,212,804 FOR KIDS’ CARE

(June 1, 2008) St. Petersburg, FL – The 2008 All Children’s Hospital Telethon today recorded another resounding success in difficult economic times, raising a grand total of $4,212,804 for the region’s referral center for specialized pediatric care.

This year’s Telethon theme, “Building Miracles,” reflects construction currently underway on a bigger, better All Children’s Hospital, with room for individual patient rooms and state-of-the-art technology to provide “little miracles” with the specialized care they need every day. Stories of youngsters from throughout west central Florida who have benefited from All Children’s care were the highlight of the 25th annual fundraiser.

In its 82-year history, All Children’s Hospital has grown to become a regional referral center for the highest level of pediatric specialty care and one of the top 20 children’s hospitals in the nation. The Hospital’s mission also includes a strong commitment to teaching and research through its partnerships with H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, the University of South Florida and the Children’s Research Institute. All Children’s regional reach has spurred the creation of outreach facilities in seven west central Florida counties. Community support made such growth possible. Today’s amazing toteboard total pushes the cumulative total of 25-years of Telethon donations to more than $66-million. It will also help fund the construction of a new hospital and ambulatory services center with nearly a million square feet of space on the downtown St. Petersburg campus. Projected completion of the new hospital is 2009.

The annual Telethon was broadcast live from All Children’s Education and Conference Center on WFLA-TV News Channel 8 from Saturday, May 31 at 8:30 PM through Sunday, June 1 at 6:30 PM.  The event was also broadcast on WXCW/CW-6, the CW affiliate in the Ft. Myers/Naples area.

In addition to the Telethon, other special events also took place over the weekend to benefit All Children’s Hospital.   Money raised from the individual events was included in this year’s $4,212,804 total.

A Taste of Pinellas raised more than $200,000 for the hospital over the course of three days. Now in its 22nd year, the annual food festival generated record dollars. A stellar line-up of headline music acts including Rick Springfield, Jonny Lang and Eddie Money drew record crowds to Vinoy Park on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, thanks to a cooperative effort with Ruth Eckerd Hall and sponsorship by BB&T.

The Saturday night VIP Auction Kickoff Party at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park added another $200,000 to the Telethon total.

All funds raised through Telethon events go directly to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. The All Children’s Hospital Telethon is part of the Children’s Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals for children. CMN is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids by raising funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America through partnerships with their local TV stations.