Listeners from all over the East phoned in their support for children and raised $121,890 during the 29th annual Music for Miracles Radiothon on 107.9 WNCT and all Inner Banks Media stations. Since its inception in 1998, the radiothon has now raised over $4.1 million, directly enhancing James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital’s programs and services.
“Each year, I am touched by the extraordinary generosity of this community,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs for ECU Health Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network of Greenville. “Their steadfast dedication to improving health care for children across eastern North Carolina continues to inspire me. I’m also so grateful to the families who bravely share their stories — these children truly are miracles. It’s an honor to highlight the exceptional care they’ve received at Maynard Children’s Hospital.”
This year’s radiothon aired on all Inner Banks Media radio stations on March 26 and 27. In addition to 107.9, participating stations included: Talk 96.3 and 103.7; Oldies 94.1 and 102.7; and 94.3 The Game.
All funds raised through Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) events like the radiothon are allocated entirely to supporting programs and services at Maynard Children’s Hospital. These contributions help procure life-saving medical equipment, enhance educational opportunities for patients and staff, provide comforting resources for children and develop new, state-of-the-art facilities. This year’s radiothon included a $20,000 match from Craig Goess and Greenville Toyota.
“For 29 years now, the generosity of our listeners has allowed us to raise funds for this great hospital,” said Henry Hinton, president, Inner Banks Media. “I’m so appreciative to all who tuned in and offered their support to the sick and injured children of eastern North Carolina. This year’s successful radiothon is something I am really proud of.”
Children’s Miracle Network is a fundraising program of the ECU Health Foundation. Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville serves children and their families living throughout a 29-county region in eastern North Carolina. For those who missed the radiothon but would still like to contribute, donations can be made at www.GiveToCMN.com.
Pirates vs. Cancer, a student‑driven initiative dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer, is set to host its annual spring fundraising event on April 10 at the ECU Health Sciences Campus. Led by medical, dental and allied health students, Pirates vs. Cancer brings together the entire health sciences community for a day of giving, celebration and solidarity with pediatric patients.
One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pirates vs. Cancer is donated to ECU Health Foundation to benefit programs at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Some of those programs have included camps and other programs specifically designed to provide pediatric patients with childhood experiences.
Among the most tangible examples of the group’s efforts is on the Maynard Children’s Hospital’s second floor. In 2024, Pirates vs. Cancer funds were designated to renovate a playroom and fill it with toys, games, crafts and technology that help patients take their mind off procedures and just be kids.
“We were able to almost double the size of this playroom for these kids and add so many more interactive features,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “It’s really a place of respite for them when they are facing treatment for months, weeks at a time.”
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded by Brody School of Medicine students in 2017 and has raised over $176,000 in the past 10 years. Leadership and participants are composed of students, faculty and staff from the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences and the Undergraduate campus. Together, they raise funds that directly impact their community.
To support Pirates Vs. Cancer, please click here.
Founded by a passionate group of nurses, Santa’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Oncology Patients Everywhere) was created to bring joy, dignity and comfort to cancer patients receiving care at ECU Health Cancer Care at the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Tower during the holiday season. This heartfelt initiative offers patients a unique and meaningful way to experience the magic of the holidays without the added stress, expense or health risks often associated with crowded public spaces.
Santa’s H.O.P.E. provides a free, in-facility shopping experience that prioritizes patient safety and well-being. Both hospitalized patients and those receiving outpatient treatment are invited to select gifts for their loved ones in a warm, welcoming environment. Every gift is thoughtfully chosen and funded entirely through donations, removing financial burden while preserving the joy of giving.
Over the past two years, Santa’s H.O.P.E. has made an impact for nearly 800 patients, offering moments of comfort, connection and holiday cheer during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Through generosity and compassion, Santa’s H.O.P.E. ensures that no patient has to miss the spirit of the season while undergoing cancer treatment.
“Thank you to all of the donors who gave to Santa’s H.O.P.E. philanthropically or by giving items generously. This gave our cancer patients a safe place to come and “shop” for their loved ones without having the worry of financial burdens. We are truly grateful for your support.” – Christine Smith, Santa’s H.O.P.E. Coordinator, Manager of Patient Care Services, Cancer Center Medical Oncology
The vision for the state-of-the-art technology in the Center for Medical Education (CME) at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine came into better focus this month thanks to a $1 million award from the Golden LEAF Foundation.
The award is the first million-dollar philanthropic investment — in partnership with the ECU Health Foundation — for the medical school expansion. The funding will outfit the CME’s learning studio with 360-degree screens and the software to run the whitebox simulation room.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this transformative grant from Golden LEAF in support of the Center for Medical Education, as it will allow us to further the mission-driven alignment between the health system and the university,” said Dr. Scott Senatore, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the ECU Health Foundation. “Golden LEAF is an outstanding community partner and is an integral part of elevating student success and training future physicians to meet crucial health care needs in North Carolina. Their award will provide a lasting impact for years to come, and for that, we are truly grateful.”
In addition to the CME support, Golden LEAF provides an undergraduate scholarship program, which currently supports 70 ECU students. The organization has provided funding for the world-renowned ECU Diabetes and Obesity Institute, the ECU Family Medicine Center, which trains future physicians, and the Eastern Region Pharma Center in ECU’s Life Sciences and Biotechnology Building, which connects industry and business to academics and research. In 2018, Golden LEAF also provided a $10 million grant for cancer care equipment for the Vidant Health Cancer Center (now ECU Health Medical Center).
Click here to learn more about the impact the Golden LEAF award will have on the CME building.
East Carolina University (ECU) Baseball player Parker Byrd has stepped up to the plate to lead Homers That Help, a charity initiative supporting families at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Taking over from former player Carter Cunningham, Byrd has embraced the opportunity to expand the program’s impact and continue its mission of giving back.
Managed by ECU Health Foundation, the funds raised through Homers That Help have had a direct impact on families, covering essential costs like gas and food gift cards to ease their hospital stays. Funds also will be going to other needs of Maynard Children’s Hospital to improve care and the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families.
To date, Homers That Help has raised over $75,000. To learn more about Homers That Help or to give, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org
East Carolina University (ECU) Baseball player Parker Byrd has stepped up to the plate to lead Homers That Help, a charity initiative supporting families at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Taking over from former player Carter Cunningham, Byrd has embraced the opportunity to expand the program’s impact and continue its mission of giving back.
The idea for Homers That Help was born after Cunningham participated in a career shadowing experience at ECU Health Medical Center in November 2023. Walking through Maynard Children’s Hospital, he felt a deep calling to do something meaningful for the young patients and their families.
Managed by ECU Health Foundation, the funds raised through Homers That Help have had a direct impact on families, covering essential costs like gas and food gift cards to ease their hospital stays. Funds also will be going to other needs of Maynard Children’s Hospital to improve care and the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families.
To date, Homers That Help has raised over $75,000. To learn more about Homers That Help or to give, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org
Thursday night’s Concert on the Common in Uptown Greenville featured more than just music.
During intermission, Greenville Toyota owner Craig Goess took the stage at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater to present a $20,000 donation to the Children’s Miracle Network at ECU Health.
The donation will support care at Maynard Children’s Hospital, which serves young patients across Eastern North Carolina.
The 40th annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Celebration Broadcast raised an incredible $1,278,873 to support pediatric care at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center, bringing the total raised over four decades to $35.6 million.
Produced by longtime CMN partner WITN, this year’s broadcast celebrated 40 years of community generosity and the thousands of children whose lives have been touched by Maynard Children’s Hospital. Viewers were inspired by heartfelt stories of healing and hope, and a special $100,000 matching gift doubled the impact for kids across eastern North Carolina.
Among the many touching moments was recognition of four dedicated volunteers: Fred Anderson, Debbie Austin, Vivian Bazemore and Diane Oakley, who have given their time to every telethon since the very first in 1986!
Thanks to the ongoing support of donors, volunteers and partners, children from across our region continue to receive the highest quality care, close to home.
“This year’s Celebration Broadcast was incredibly special, marking 40 years of support for Children’s Miracle Network and bringing together those who have made a difference,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “It was amazing to reflect on this journey and connect with our dedicated supporters. We also honored the generous businesses, community groups and individuals whose commitment will continue to save lives and bring hope to the children at Maynard Children’s Hospital.”
To commemorate 40 years of making miracles happen in eastern North Carolina, the event included many special acknowledgements to celebrate the milestone. Former WITN personalities throughout the years provided messages of encouragement and support while past miracle children provided updates on their journeys and how their lives were directly impacted by the generous donations from the telethon. Four loyal volunteers joined the celebration for their 40th time, attending all 40 telethons throughout the years: Fred Anderson, Debbie Austin, Vivian Bazemore and Diane Oakley. Another very special moment included an interview with Lillian Jones, who honored her late husband, Dick Jones, WITN personality and talent who hosted the very first telethon in 1986.
Funds raised during the Celebration Broadcast ensure that children from across the region have access to the highest quality care, advanced medical equipment and life-saving programs. Each dollar raised stays local to support pediatric services at Maynard Children’s Hospital.
Major sponsors once again demonstrated their generosity, with the following top contributors each giving at least $100,000:
- Speedway, part of 7-11, Inc: $209,647
- Jersey Mike’s Subs: $188,375
- Walmart and Sam’s Club: $153,672
- Music for Miracles Radiothon: $113,734
- Log A Load for Kids: $100,000
The following sponsors each made a significant impact with donations totaling over $25,000: Ace Hardware ($37,383), Panda Express ($32,035), Dance Arts Theatre ($28,876) and Extra Life ($26,345).
Coming through in a big way, the following organizations donated between $5,000-$20,000: Central Heating and Air Conditioning, Barbour Hendrick Honda of Greenville, Electric Cooperative of ENC, Dairy Queen, Ollies, Phi Mu, Pepsi/Minges Bottling Group, American Builders, Publix and Eastern Radiologists.
Finally, a big thanks to these generous donors who contributed between $1,000-$5,000: Miller & Friends Lemonade Stand, Grady White Boats, RE/MAX, Whistle Express Car Wash, Care-O-World, Baynor Inc, Ajay Ajmera, Arun Ajmera, Ricci Law Firm, Builder’s Discount Center, Harris, Creech, Ward & Blackerby PA, MSL Healthcare Partners, Stallings Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, POPS Mart Fuels and Aldridge & Southerland.
The local CMN Hospitals fundraising program is staffed and supported by the ECU Health Foundation, the non-profit charitable corporation that serves as the custodian for all financial gifts and bequests to ECU Health. The ECU Health Foundation oversees allocation of all donated funds.
East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine aims to increase sustainability and provide more patient access in western North Carolina through a grant from Dogwood Health Trust.
The three-year, $593,000 grant invests more than $85,000 in Patient Care Funds and more than $425,000 in salary support for existing and additional positions at the Sylva and Spruce Pine Community Service Learning Centers (CSLC). The grant will ensure that more uninsured individuals receive services and allow the centers to provide competitive salaries in hiring clinical staff and practice management positions.
Radio listeners across Eastern Carolina tuned in to make a big impact for a Children’s Miracles Network.
Inner Banks Media says the 28th annual Music for Miracles radiothon raised $113,734 for the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. Funds raised go directly into the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, life-saving equipment, and comforting resources to children and their families.