By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Riley Radio Days wrapped up a two-day marathon Friday night and finished with more than $80,000 in contributions.
Sponsors, organizers, and those close to Riley Radio Days gathered in the Rita Price Showcase Studio at Kensington Digital Media offices in Warsaw shortly after 7 p.m. to celebrate this year’s grand total of $80,179.41.
Half the money goes to Riley Kids Fund for local support and the remaining portion goes to Riley Children’s Foundation in Indianapolis.
In the past 12 years, the local fundraiser has collected $1.3 million.
This year marked 12 consecutive years of the fundraiser on 107.3 WRSW, led by Alan Alderfer, founder of the fundraiser whose daughter benefited from efforts at Riley Children’s Hospital years ago.
The Riley Kids Fund provides gas cards and other financial assistance to families traveling to the hospital in Indianapolis.
Alderfer said he was unsure what to expect this year because of the financial strains families are continuing to feel.
“I was just hoping to hit $60,000 or $70,000 and when I heard that $80,000 number, I think that was an absolute grand slam,” Alderfer said afterward.
“We don’t set goals, we don’t try to compete with last year, we just try to see what does the community want to raise for these families,” Alderfer said.
