9th annual WEEI Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

Two day broadcast from Fenway Park to help strike out cancer

BOSTON (August 11, 2010) – WEEI and NESN are proud to announce that the 9th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon will take place at Fenway Park on Thursday, August 19th and Friday, August 20th. The 36 hour broadcast will feature compelling stories and celebrity guests as well as emotional ceremonies prior to both Red Sox games during the two day period. Last year’s event raised $4.55 million, with gifts coming in from every state in the country, and from around the world, bringing the eight year total to $21.4 million. Once again listeners and viewers will be able to make gifts by phone at 877-738-1234 or online at www.jimmyfundradiotelethon.org.  A $10 contribution can also be made via text message by texting KCANCER to 20222.

The event lineup is packed with interviews of Dana-Farber patients, doctors, researchers and nurses.  The event, once again, will also attract an array of national celebrities. Already confirmed to participate in this year’s event are: Ben Affleck, Mike O’Malley, Meredith Vieira, Maura Tierney and numerous Red Sox players and front office staff including Red Sox President, Larry Lucchino. In addition, to celebrate the 9th year of the event, Friday’s broadcast will include special tributes to Ted Williams and his lifelong commitment to the Jimmy Fund.

“Eight years ago we started this event based on a lunch meeting with Mike Andrews, and today, it has become bigger than I could’ve ever imagined. The Radio-Telethon brings out the best in people. The support that we’ve received from hundreds of thousands of donors over the life of this event has truly been incredible and I am so proud that we can use the regional power of WEEI, in partnership with NESN, to bring the community together for two great days for such a meaningful cause” says Jason Wolfe, VP of AM Programming for Entercom New England.

As part of the Radio-Telethon there will be special ceremonies prior to both Red Sox games on Thursday and Friday evening. Boston College football player and cancer survivor Mark Herzlich will throw out the first pitch at Thursday’s game, while NBC’s “Today Show” co-host Meredith Vieira and Boston native Maura Tierney, a breast cancer survivor, will do the honors on Friday. 

"Every year we are humbled by the incredible generosity of our fans in supporting the Jimmy Fund, which further motivates us to redouble our efforts to help Dana Farber strike out cancer once and for all," said Sean McGrail, NESN President and CEO. "Every year, for two days in August, we partner with WEEI for what I believe to be the two most important days on our broadcast calendar, by rallying Red Sox Nation to make a real difference for those afflicted with this dreaded disease.”

This year’s goal, is to raise $5 million, which if reached, will bring the event’s total to more than $26 million dollars.

"WEEI and NESN are our allies when it comes to the fight against cancer. Through the generosity of its listeners and viewers, we are able to further our commitment to making important advances in the treatment and research of cancer. We are extremely grateful for WEEI and NESN and their dedication to our mission," said Jimmy Fund Director Suzanne Fountain.

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.