KYW-WPSG Helps Raise $1M For Cancer Research

CBS-owned KYW (CBS) and WPSG (CW) Philadelphia (DMA 4) presented 15 hours of fundraising for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation on Thursday, June 9, and broke the million dollar mark in pledges, raising $1,015,618 for pediatric cancer research, a record for the fundraiser which began in 2007.

In addition to contributions from the public, area businesses that contributed to the fundraiser included Applebee’s/Corner Bakery, leading the pack with a check for $300,000. Other corporate contributors included Volvo with a contribution of $200,000, Wal-Mart with a $145,000 donation and Just Born Candies and Power Home Remodeling Group each with $100,000 donations.

The Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of four-year-old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott whose lemonade stands for cancer research launched a national fundraising movement that has only grown since her death in 2004.

The Alex Scott Phone Bank aired in special segments and “Alex hours” from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the broadcast day. Segments were also streamed live on CBSPhilly.Com.

KYW’s Chris May, Susan Barnett and Pat Ciarrocchi spearheaded the effort joined by staffers Erika von Tiehl, Beasley Reece, Kathy Orr and Dave Huddleston, along with Alex’s parents, Liz and Jay Scott, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Tennis Legend Billie Jean King, Philadelphia Eagles Co-owner Christina Lurie and World B. Free of the Philadelphia 76ers. On-air personalities from CBS Radio joined in the effort.

The fundraiser helps kick off Lemonade Days 2011 (June 10-12) when thousands of volunteers from coast to coast will take a stand against pediatric cancer by hosting lemonade stands of their own.