7th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

7th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon 
Two day broadcast from Fenway Park to help strike out cancer
 
BOSTON – (July 16, 2008) Help strike out cancer by tuning in to WEEI 850-AM Sports Radio and New England Sports Network (NESN) on Aug. 14 and 15, for the 7th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. The two-day event will feature compelling stories, celebrity guests, sports panels, and emotional ceremonies. Listeners and viewers will be able to make a gift online or by
phone to help raise funds to support adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
 
WEEI and NESN will begin 36 hours of programming on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 6 a.m. from Fenway Park, and continue through the Red Sox game against the Texas Rangers until midnight. The broadcast will resume Friday morning, Aug. 15, at 6 a.m. until midnight, including the Red Sox game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The two-day lineup is packed with patient interviews and
expert information from Dana-Farber researchers and doctors. The WEEI portion of the Radio- Telethon is sponsored by BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
 
Sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy unique experiences at Fenway Park during the event. On Thursday, WEEI’s John Dennis and NESN’s Tom Caron will host Trophy Talk, a luncheon at which Bruins legend Ray Bourque and Sox pitcher Curt Schilling are slated to appear. On Friday, Red Sox announcers Joe Castiglione of WEEI and NESN’s Don Orsillo will moderate Sit Down with the Sox, a luncheon featuring a panel discussion with current Red Sox players. Tickets are $75 per person for each lunch.
 
“The radio-telethon has truly become a signature event in Boston,” says Jason Wolfe, VP of AM Programming for Entercom New England. “The strength and courage of the patients our listeners hear from is incredibly motivating, and their stories send a clear message about why it is so important for everyone to participate. Dana-Farber doctors are making substantial progress every
year and we’re proud to play a role in their continued success.” “NESN is proud to support the great work that is done every day at the Jimmy Fund,” said Sean McGrail, NESN President.  “No other event on our broadcast calendar is as important, or has as much of an impact on as many people as this event.  We are honored to help support the life saving work of this incredible group of people.”
As part of the Radio-Telethon there will be special opening ceremonies at both Red Sox games. On Thursday, Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director, will be honored for the 30th anniversary of his cross country run. He will lace up his sneakers that morning to run the Boston Marathon course forward and back, and then finish at Fenway Park, as he did 30 years ago. He’ll collect contributions along the route to benefit the Jimmy Fund. 
 
The goal of the 2008 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon is to raise $4 million. Last year’s event raised a record $3.74 million, with contributions coming in from every state and from nations as far away as Singapore, Iceland, Ireland, and Japan.  
 
“WEEI and NESN have such loyal listeners who support the Jimmy Fund,” says Jimmy Fund Chairman and 1967 Red Sox second baseman Mike Andrews. “With their support, and the help of WEEI and NESN, the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber are working towards a day when we will conquer cancer for good.”
 
To help strike out cancer during the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, call 877-738-1234 toll free. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to contribute online, go to www.jimmyfundradiotelethon.org.