History of the Radiothon To End Child Abuse
The first Radiothon to End Child Abuse was organized by Lou Buron and Mary Campbell at a Twin Cities radio station in 1987. At that time Lou was chairman of the Minnesota Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The MCPCA was chronically short of funding and the Radiothon concept promised to help create a financial foundation for the committee. MCPCA's name was later changed to Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
When Lou and Mary formed Omni Broadcasting in 1989 and relocated to Bemidji, they saw the need for increased child abuse prevention education and funding in the communities served by their radio properties in the Bemidji and Alexandria areas. The first Bemidji Radiothon was launched by KB101 radio in 1989. KIKV-FM, Alexandria followed with their inaugural Radiothon in 1990.
In 1994 Lou and Mary's Omni Broadcasting expanded the Radiothon to the Brainerd Lakes area and is now heard on WJJY-FM (106.7), The Power Loon (107.5 FM), B93.3 FM, Cool 103.5 FM. And in 2005 the Omni Radiothon network added their Wadena stations; KWAD/KNSP (920/1430 AM) and Superstation K-106.
In Bemidji, the Radiothon to End Child Abuse is a joint effort of KB101-FM, KZY-FM 95.5 and Z99-FM, United Way of Bemidji Area Child Abuse Prevention Council, Hubbard County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Cass County: Family Safety Network and Family Wise/Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
Since the inception of the Radiothon to End Child Abuse in 1989, over half a million dollars has been raised to help end child abuse and neglect in Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, and Hubbard Counties. A heartfelt thanks go out to all of KB101, KZY-FM 95.5, Z99, and listeners!!!
