Radio One and Reach Media, the audio divisions of Urban One, have raised $1.7 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their annual Urban Cares for St. Jude Kids broadcast. The two-day nationwide event, held March 12 and 13, mobilized urban music audiences across the country to support research and treatment for life-threatening childhood diseases.
The fundraising effort spanned Urban One’s 13 markets and Reach Media’s nationally syndicated programs, featuring patient stories and calls for listeners to become monthly donors known as Partners in Hope. This year marked the first participation of Radio One’s Urban AC stations, expanding the initiative to 25 stations and seven syndicated shows.
Major programs leading the broadcast included Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, The Willie Moore Jr. Show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and Posted on the Corner, alongside local hosts who helped drive community engagement nationwide. The campaign also gained visibility through social media and appearances from artists and faith leaders such as Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Vashawn Mitchell, Canton Jones, Adia, and Jekalyn Carr.
The initiative is part of the broader Music Gives to St. Jude Kids program, which connects artists and fans to fundraising efforts through radiothons, social campaigns, and community engagement. Since partnering in 2008, Radio One has helped support St. Jude’s mission of ensuring families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to play a leading role in advancing treatments for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Since its founding in 1962, the organization has helped increase the overall childhood cancer survival rate in the United States from 20% to more than 80%, while sharing its research globally to improve care worldwide.
KEY QUOTES:
“For nearly twenty years, Urban One has rallied listeners across the nation on behalf of St. Jude families. We are grateful to every listener, artist and celebrity who help make Urban Cares for St. Jude Kids so special. Their compassion and generosity help St. Jude give every child a chance to live their best life.”
Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude
“Our partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been one of the most meaningful commitments we’ve made as a company. This event affords the Radio One/Reach Media team the opportunity to play a part in supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We are proud to share the St. Jude mission with our listeners and grateful that they continue to respond each year.”
Deon Levingston, Co-President, Audio Division for Urban One
