Continues Naidoo, "Both individual listeners and the big corporate guys came to the party, opened their hearts and pledged money for this very worthy cause. We even had children handing over their pocket money to help those less fortunate! The event was an overwhelming success, and we would like to thank each and every person who contributed to that success."
"We've found over the years that these kinds of initiatives bridge the gap between us as a station and our listeners because it allows them to reach out to those less fortunate through us and effect a change in their lives," explains Naidoo. "Our listeners always support our social responsibility initiatives and it's really heartwarming to see their response to such events, knowing that together we're making a difference."
According to 94.7, the R5.2 million is also the most money to be raised by a Johannesburg radio station for charity.
The event was geared towards uplifting the country's youth, with all proceeds going to the Tomorrow Trust and the Tomorrow Project, an initiative committed to financing and supporting tertiary education for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. The trust supplies the support structures for orphans to pass their final school exams in order to follow a path that they are passionate about, and create a future for themselves and their families. Accordingly, the initiative was held on 16 June 2006 - Youth Day.
The Tomorrow Trust and Project is operated under the guidance of veteran fundraiser Kim Feinberg, supported by trustees Samantha Cowen, Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Cyril Ramaphosa and Dori Weil ("Dr D").
The radiothon kicked off at 6am during the Rude Awakening with a live broadcast from Sandton City. This was followed by a live broadcast from East Rand Mall between 9am and 3pm during Kenny Maistry and Tove Kane's shows, with Alex Jay rounding up the radiothon live from Sandton City between 3pm and 7pm.
In addition, 94.7's new direct marketing arm, Ground Patrol, moved around Johannesburg collecting pledges from listeners who wanted to be a part of this worthy initiative.
Supporting this cause was a string of celebrities including singers Heinz Winckler, Danny K and Cito and Danny from Wonderboom; sports stars; Isidingo, Egoli and Scandal stars; and a host of beauties from FHM's Top 100 Sexiest Women initiative.
"These celebrities were amazing - they gave of their time by personally manning the phone lines and taking people's pledges, which helped raise the profile of the radiothon, and ultimately enabled us to reach our goal," praises Naidoo.
