KEN BLOCK AND ANDREW COPELAND PERFORM IN ACOUSTIC CONCERT TO BENEFIT THE FLORIDA RECOVERY CENTER

GAINESVILLE, Fla.- The radio teams at 98.5 KTK and News/Talk 97.3 The Sky are going on air to help build awareness and raise funds for the kids at Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida through Children’s Miracle Network. The 8th Annual Shands for Kids Radiothon, sponsored by Gainesville Nissan and Tioga Town Center, is a 39-hour broadcast from Wednesday, Aug. 20, to Friday, Aug. 22.

98.5 KTK and News/Talk 97.3 The Sky will broadcast interviews with children who are battling for a healthy life and their families. Listeners will be encouraged to call in and make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Last year’s radiothon received more than $255,000 in pledges.

To kick-off the 2008 radiothon, Children’s Miracle Network will be hosting its annual Raiders of the Loose Change program to help raise even more money for pediatric patients at Shands Children’s Hospital at UF. This program, sponsored by Ace Hardware, offers an easy way for local businesses, schools and families to get involved. As a participant in the program, each organization designates a “change raider” to collect donations from their fellow employees, family members, classmates and friends. To participate in the Raiders of the Loose Change program, visit www.shandskids.org or call 800-284-6472.

Children’s Miracle Network is an alliance of more than 170 premier hospitals, and Shands HealthCare is one of seven hospital affiliates in the state. With more than 12,000 admissions in 2007, Shands Children's Hospital at UF was one of the leading referral centers in the state, treating kids from all over Florida, the United States and beyond. Funds raised help children in your community by purchasing life-saving medical equipment and diversionary items, funding pediatric research and producing patient education materials.