The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (September 25, 2013) – On September 19 and 20, Thunder 102 held its Third Annual Country Cares For St. Jude’s Kids Radiothon, a  fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help in the fight against childhood cancer.

The Country Cares Radiothon ran from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day and was sponsored by Middletown Medical, Animal hospital of Sullivan County, Rolling V, Formaggio Cheese Specialties, Yellow Cab, Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, USAlliance Federal Credit Union, Crystal Run Healthcare and Edible Arrangements of Middletown.

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas and opened in 1962. Its mission: to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

In 1989, Randy Owen, a member of the country group Alabama, met with founder Danny Thomas who asked him to play a part and Country Cares was born.

Throughout the two day Radiothon, there were many from the country music industry calling in to show support – everyone from up-and-coming artist Amber Hayes to charting artists such as John Rich of Big & Rich, past winner of Celebrity Apprentice. Forty-three celebrities in all called in, but the most special of these calls took place Thursday when Paul Ciliberto picked up the line to be greeted by Country Cares founder Randy Owen.

Besides the actual days of the Radiothon, over 50 businesses throughout Thunder Country sold Bethel Woods Center For The Arts Country Cares For St. Jude’s Kids Boot Cards for a minimum $1 donation.

Other business got creative in their fundraising, Crystal Run Healthcare employees raised over $2,000 during its Dress Down Day and Monticello Casino & Raceway donated $1 for each new “like” it received on its Facebook page raising $1,000.

In all, ThunderHeads raised over $38,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during two emotionally charged, but inspiring days.

Paul Ciliberto, New York Market Manager, General Manager and host of Ciliberto & Friends, was in tears as Danny Thomas’ voice closed out the final moments of the Radiothon. “With the economical rollercoaster that our community has been on for the last two years … our ThunderHeads still found the time to reach out to help others while in need themselves. I say it time and time again, but our ThunderHeads never cease to amaze me!” said Ciliberto.