February 28, 2024

On Feb. 8 and 9, FirstEnergy employees picked up the phones to help Northeast Ohioans become “miracle makers” during the annual 98.1 KDD Radiothon to benefit Akron Children’s Hospital.

FirstEnergy Foundation did its part to light up the phone lines, encouraging a burst of donations with a matching donation up to $10,000.

Now in its 25^th year, the 98.1 KDD Radiothon is known for its uplifting energy, providing patients and families the opportunity to share their personal stories on the air and prompting listeners to call in with pledges. Since 2000, the event has raised more than $12 million for the hospital, including this year’s donations totaling $428,326. Pledges are used to buy pediatric medical equipment and to fund patient care, community outreach and research.

Each year, this event provides a great opportunity to support a world-class hospital that demonstrates our core values through its unwavering commitment to strengthening communities and providing culturally competent care.

At the end of 2022, the new FirstEnergy Foundation Outpatient Rehabilitation Welcome and Check-In Center will provide children and families with brighter, more accessible entry to the needed services. The enhanced rehab facility is one of the hospital’s busiest areas, helping children get better faster AND get back to what they do best – being children.

FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation have a long history of supporting community initiatives that improve the quality of life for our customers. Over the past decade, we have donated over $500,000 to Akron Children’s Hospital, contributing to beloved events like the Holiday Tree Festival and key capital campaigns to help the hospital expand its campus and enhance services for children and their families.

Watch the video below for more.