The seventh annual N.C. Children's Promise radiothon/telethon raised more than $1 million, a new fundraising benchmark for the event, UNC Health Care's largest single fundraising event each year. A preliminary accounting shows that this year's radiothon/telethon raised $1,014,497.52, an increase of more than $200,000 or almost 25 percent over 2007. Funds raised benefit North Carolina Children's Hospital.

"Surpassing the million-dollar mark was more than anyone dared hope for in these financially uncertain times," said Dr. Alan Stiles, physician in chief at N.C. Children's Hospital and chair of pediatrics in the UNC School of Medicine. "I think it's a testament not only to the giving nature of North Carolinians all over the state but to the power of our patients' stories. You can truly hear the courage in those children's voices, and people can't help but open their hearts and wallets."

On-site entertainment this year included live, in-person performances by music artists Darius Rucker, Jo Dee Messina, Jason Michael Carroll, Jimmy Wayne, Heidi Newfield, and the High and Mighties, as well as Diana Reyes, the first Latin performer in the history of the radiothon/telethon. The radiothon/telethon also included an online auction of many items autographed by celebrities with the proceeds benefiting the Children's Hospital.

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ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Each year, North Carolina Children's Hospital has more than 70,000 visits from children in all 100 counties across the state. The hospital relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in 2002, which includes a comprehensive children's outpatient center and 136 inpatient beds in a child-friendly, family-focused environment. It is the first children's hospital in North Carolina to bring together complete inpatient and outpatient care in one location. For more information about North Carolina Children's Hospital, please visit the Children's Hospital Web site at www.ncchildrenshospital.org.