PALM DESERT, CA – October 2, 2023 – For nearly three decades, Marker Broadcasting has hosted the annual KPLM BIG 106 Cares for Kids Radiothon benefitting Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert, in support of their services for children in need across the Coachella Valley. This year marks the 28th anniversary of the event, which will take place on November 7 and 8, live on KPLM THE BIG 106.
The annual event has raised nearly two million dollars in support of Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert. These funds have positively impacted the lives of thousands of children through essential programs and services such as the donation of over 40 transportation vans, over 8,300 bikes provided to economically disadvantaged students, and the creation of several community playgrounds. Funds have also provided over 100 children with special needs medical and therapeutic equipment, including adaptive bicycles and strollers, early literacy programs for elementary school students, developmental screenings for children 0-5 to promote early intervention and best outcomes for children before kindergarten, and so much more.
“Seeing the joy on the faces of hundreds of deserving children as they receive a new bike and helmet at the annual bike giveaway truly captures the joy of the holiday season,” said Heidi Maldoon, Executive Director of Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert. “This year in partnership with Acrisure Arena, a celebrated holiday tradition will be more accessible for student’s valley wide with an opportunity to meet Firebird’s players and their mascot Fuego. This experience will create lasting memories for our deserving students and be a reminder that the entire community is supporting and encouraging them to continue their hard work in school.”
The event will be broadcast live on KPLM The BIG106 on November 7th and 8th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donations of any amount are welcomed and will make a difference in the lives of children that need support. Sponsors receive a VIP invitation to present bikes directly to students at the annual bike giveaway celebration in December 2023, at the Acrisure Arena.
Pledges can be made by visiting: www.varietyofthedesert.org/radiothon-2023/ or by calling 760-340-1061.
Variety – the Children’s Charity invites the community to support the event by becoming an event sponsor or volunteering to answer telephone calls during the event. For more information about sponsorship or becoming a volunteer, call 760-773-9800, or email rose@varietyofthedesert.org or visit www.varietyofthedesert.org/radiothon-2023/.
All event proceeds will benefit Coachella Valley children through the organization’s mission:
Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert, is dedicated to promoting the health, mobility, independence, and social inclusion of special needs and disadvantaged children throughout the Coachella Valley. Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert is a 501©3 charitable organization. Tax ID # 33-0278817
ABOUT VARIETY OF THE DESERT
Formed in the Coachella Valley in 1987, Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert is dedicated to promoting the health, mobility, independence, and social inclusion of special needs and disadvantaged children throughout the Coachella Valley.
By providing life-enriching assistance to Coachella Valley children, Variety hopes to help children experience all the joys of childhood while growing to become confident, independent, and free to access all that the world has to offer.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert, is a chapter of Variety – the Children’s Charity, an international charity with nearly 40 chapters around the world. Formed in 1928 in the Sheridan theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by a group of 10 show businessmen to help children in need.
Variety is one of the oldest and most comprehensive children’s charities in the world. To learn more, visit www.varietyofthedesert.org.
