One dollar won't buy much these days. But when those $1 bills come together they have the power to help Children's Hospital Central California.
In the 26 years that Kids Day has been around, more than $5 million has been raised through the annual event that is a joint effort of The Fresno Bee and KFSN (Channel 30.1).
Your $1 purchase of this special edition of The Bee will help continue the support for the local medical facility.
"Each year, we're so appreciative of the support Children's receives from the volunteers, sponsors and supporters of Kids Day -- and this year is no exception," says Todd Suntrapak, chief executive officer and president of the hospital.
"Their tireless dedication, enthusiasm and commitment is testament to the mission of Children's -- and what helps us provide the children in our region the best care from the best physicians and medical team."
The goal this year is to raise $480,000, which would top the record of $470,514 collected on Kids Day in 2008. Last year, more than $450,000 was raised.
KFSN President and General Manager Dan Adams is optimistic this will be a good year for the fundraising effort.
"ABC30 has been involved with Kids Day since the beginning, and we couldn't be more proud to help Children's Hospital Central California continue to care for our kids. It's a privilege to team up with The Fresno Bee and an army of generous volunteers to help raise money," Adams says. "This year, with Kids Day falling on the fifth of March, we hope those who can will consider giving $5."
Support for the annual event starts with thousands of volunteers lining streets and roads with stacks of newspapers to sell in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings, Merced and Mariposa counties.
Tom Cullinan, publisher and president of The Bee, says he is proud of the newspaper's efforts to raise money through the special edition.
"Over the years, Kids Day has grown to be a true community fundraiser with participation from thousands of volunteers throughout the Valley," Cullinan says.
"The goal this year is to raise $480,000 and I have no doubt with the help of our community volunteers and local businesses we'll reach that goal."
TV and movie critic RickBentley can be reached at (559) 441-6355, rbentley@fresnobee.com or @RickBentley1 on Twitter. Read his blog at fresnobeehive.com.
