PHOENIX – ABC15 and the community at large raised more than $1.06 million to fund patient care, programs and services for patients and their families at Phoenix Children’s Hospital during the ninth annual ABC15 Telethon on Wednesday, April 14th. Every ‘Hero for Hope’ donation of $20 a month or a one-time gift of $240 or more was celebrated by delivering a ‘Superhero Sidekick’ stuffed animal to a child in the Hospital, bringing smiles and a furry friend to patients battling illness.

"We are so thankful for the generosity of our viewers," said Anita Helt, vice-president and general manager at ABC15. "We're also grateful for the support of our Telethon partners for championing the essential care Phoenix Children's provides families in our community."

The Telethon included a phone bank staffed by sponsors and hospital staff, and inspirational stories shared by the hospital’s superhero patients, physicians and staff. ABC15’s Sonoran Living, hosted by Terri Ouellette and Susan Casper, devoted their entire show to the Telethon in addition to a thirty-minute special in the afternoon. ABC15 News covered the Telethon in every newscast and social media platform throughout the day.

“We are grateful by how the community supported this year’s Telethon,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer of Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “When you tune in and see the families tell their stories of healing and hope, it all hits home. The funds raised will help Phoenix Children’s continue to provide the best patient care to the kids that need our help.”

Each dollar raised during the ABC15 Telethon directly impacts care, critical programs and services provided to patients and families. If you missed the Telethon, you can still donate to the cause. Visit TelethonForPCH.org to contribute. The ABC15 Telethon will return in early April 2022.

Of the many companies who donated, Jersey Mike’s raised $388,587 for Phoenix Children’s as part of this year’s telethon, contributing significantly to support alongside a number of outstanding sponsors.

“We chose to give back to Phoenix Children’s because giving is in our DNA,” according to Richie MacLachlan, Jersey Mike’s Area Director. “Jersey Mike’s is a company that gives back to the community and makes a difference in people’s lives, and we are so grateful for our entire team and the support of our community for making this a record-breaking fundraising year.”

Corporate sponsors and partners make this event possible. Telethon sponsors include: Accident Law Group, Ace Hardware, Ageless Anatomy Med Spa, American Textile Recycling Services, Angry Crab Shack, Arcadia Pediatric Dental, Big O Tires, Clean Freak Car Wash, Desert Financial Credit Union, Discover, Dutch Bros Coffee, Earnhardt Auto Centers, Fry's Food Stores, IHOP, Ike's Love & Sandwiches, Jersey Mike's Subs, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, Mountainside Fitness, NOVA Home Loans, Panda Express, Phoenix Dance Studio, Plexus Worldwide, Sagicor Life Insurance, Sam's Club, SDB Contracting Services, Scripps Howard Foundation, Shasta Pools & Spas, Southwest Gas, Swire Coca-Cola, V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc., Verco Decking, Inc., Walmart.

About Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s only children’s hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals. Phoenix Children's provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. As one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, Phoenix Children’s provides care across more than 75 pediatric specialties. The Hospital is poised for continued growth in quality patient care, research and medical education. For more information about the hospital, visit phoenixchildrens.org.

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff and Court TV Mystery. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way."