7th Annual Alex Scott Phone Bank Sets New Record With Nearly $2 Million In Pledges For Pediatric Cancer Research
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - CBS 3 and The CW Philly's seventh annual Alex Scott Phone Bank, a 14-hour on-air benefit for the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, raised nearly $2 million ($1,979,466) for pediatric cancer research today, 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.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (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. CBS 3'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 the Breakfast Club at 98.1 WOGL helped staff the phones joined by radio colleagues Chris Stigall from Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Rob Ellis of SportsRadio 94 WIP and KYW Newsradio 1060'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.
"The CBS Philly staff is grateful to our viewers and business partners who continue to join us in this effort," says CBS 3/CW Philly President and General Manager Jon Hitchcock. "We know that the families dealing with these devastating medical challenges are lifted up by the fact that we are all 'on their side' in this fight against childhood cancer."
"Each year we are thrilled to kick off our National Lemonade Days fundraiser with our family at CBS 3 and The CW Philly," says Jay Scott, Alex's Dad and Co-Executive Director of the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "The embrace of the Philadelphia area continues to grow, further solidifying that 2013 will be a record-breaking year. Thank you."
In addition to contributions from viewers, area businesses that contributed to the fundraiser included Applebee's/Corner Bakery, Volvo, Just Born Candies, Power Home Remodeling Group, A. I. duPont Hospital, Northwestern Mutual, Auntie Anne's, Five Below, TD Bank, IBEW Local 98, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
CBS 3 and The CW Philly acknowledge the support of Local Tri-State Toyota Dealers, Ashley Furniture Home Store, The Malvern School and CBS RADIO in making this special fundraising effort possible. CBS 3 (KYW-TV) and The CW Philly 57 (WPSG-TV) are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation.
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ALEX SCOTT SPECIAL
Alex Scott: A Stand for Hope, a moving half hour special that tells Alex's story, will air Friday, June 7th at 10:30 p.m. on the CW Philly and Saturday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m. on CBS 3. The show will be rebroadcast at other times throughout the summer in available weekend time periods on both stations.
