KYW-WPSG Raises $1.9M For Pediatric Cancer

CBS-owned KYW (CBS) and WPSG (CW) Philadelphia (DMA 4) said its seventh annual Alex Scott Phone Bank, a 14-hour on-air benefit for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), raised nearly $2 million ($1,979,466) for pediatric cancer research Thursday, a record for the fundraiser which began in 2007. Over its seven years on-air, the event has raised more than $7 million for the cause.

ALSF emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-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 fundraiser helps kick off Lemonade Days 2013 (June 7-9) when thousands of volunteers from coast-to-coast will raise money for the Foundation by hosting lemonade stands of their own.

A Stand for Hope, the Alex Scott Phone Bank, aired in special segments and “Alex hours” from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the broadcast day on both stations. Segments were also streamed live on CBSPhilly.Com. KYW’s Chris May, Pat Ciarrocchi, Erika von Tiehl, Kathy Orr, Kate Bilo, Katie Fehlinger, Stephanie Stahl and Natasha Brown spearheaded the effort on-air.

On-air personalities from CBS Radio also joined their TV partners in the fight against childhood cancer. Ross Brittain, Valerie Knight and Frank Lewis of WOGL-FM helped staff the phones joined by radio colleagues Chris Stigall from Talk Radio 1210 WPHT-AM, Rob Ellis of WIP-FM and KYW-AM’s Cherri Gregg along with Alex’s parents, Liz and Jay Scott and Alex’s brothers, Patrick, Eddie and Joey. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter also stopped by to support the event as did 13-year-old actress Bailee Madison, the ALSF’s youth spokesperson.