Make-A-Wish Radiothon 2024: What to know and how to get involved
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Make-A-Wish Radiothon, hosted by News 4 and 97 Rock, returns for its 30th edition this week, starting at 6 a.m. Thursday morning and going until 10 a.m. Friday.
WIVB News 4 will bring you live coverage and guest interviews from the Radiothon, beginning an hour before the event kicks off.
What is Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses nationwide. The goal is to grant the wish of every eligible child within our local community.
Wishes aren’t magical — they require a significant amount of creativity, time and generosity. However, each wish feels magical to a child fighting an illness, and with the help of donations from the community, Make-A-Wish can continue to provide these special experiences.
How to get involved
To donate to Make-A-Wish, click or tap here. You can also donate by phone at 716-587-8500.
Incredible items and experiences will be up for auction throughout the event, in addition to donation incentives. All proceeds go toward making Western New York area wishes come true.
Silent auction
Limited-edition memorabilia, unique experiences, sports tickets, autographed items and more are up for sale during the silent auction, which runs online until 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
Taylor Swift, Josh Allen, Rasmus Dahlin, Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Henry Winkler, and the Goo Goo Dolls all have autographed items to bid on. Experiences include vacations, golf excursions, a guest host segment on 97 Rock, and even a Flying Bison dinner party featuring our own Dave Greber.
A personal favorite is a Buffalo Braves jersey signed by Rookies of the Year Bob McAdoo, Ernie DiGregorio and Adrian Dantley.
A full list of the items up for action can be seen below.
Live auction – limited time only
These incredible packages can only be bid on by calling 716-587-8577 between certain hours. To see what’s available in the live auction and when you can be bid on, click or tap here or check out the file below.
You can win a Sabres suite, an ice cream truck party, live musical performances, dinner at Mulberry with Dave Greber, and even a Buffalo Sabres team signed limited edition Rick Jeanneret bubble hockey game.
Donation Incentives
Additionally, there are multiple donation packages that will be available — while supplies last:
Batavia Downs Stay and Play: A $225+ donation includes a one-night stay for two at the Hotel at Batavia Downs, a $50 dinner credit in Fortune’s Restaurant and $25 in free play for you and one guest.
Delta Sonic Incentive Package: A donation of $200 or more includes three months of car washes and unlimited interior cleanings from Delta Sonic.
Russell’s Incentive Package: With a donation of $325 or more, you can receive a certificate that includes an overnight state in a Whirlpool Suite at Salvatore’s Grand Hotel, as well as dinner and breakfast for two at Russell’s Steaks, Chops, and More Restaurant.
26 Shirts “Wishes Rock” shirt
A donation of $75 or more will get you the official 26 Shirts “Wishes Rock” t-shirt. This year’s shirt design can be seen here.
The shirt promotion does not apply to donations made for other incentives or auctions. Make sure to provide your contact info and your shirt will be mailed to you.
Say hi, donate in person
The radiothon will be broadcasting live from Sto Lat’s Event Center at the Eastern Hills Mall Thursday. Supporters are welcome to stop by and donate in person. News 4’s Jacquie Walker and 97 Rock’s Larry Norton will be collection donations.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish, click here.
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Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook, Twitter and Threads. See more of his work here.
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