The 19th Annual Ocean of Love Radiothon started this past Monday and will run thru Friday, October 27th. The Radiothon, organized by 105.7 The Hawk, raises money for Ocean County-based non-profit, Ocean of Love. This week, The Hawk's Andy Chase will remain atop of a billboard platform in the Target/Lowes parking lot on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, until the event reaches its goal of $105,700
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Ocean of Love, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1988 by Linda Gillick and Geroge Goldt. A cancer diagnosis is any parent's worst nightmare. This organization was created to be an emotional and financial resource for these families. They specifically provide services to families in Ocean County with a child facing cancer. Ocean of Love offers numerous support groups for the entire family, including bereavement groups. Financially, they provide gas cards, assistance with household bills, travel expenses to and from the hospital, just to name a few. They also offer outings for the families such as tickets to sporting events or theater productions, giving these families a brief escape from what can be an exhausting schedule of doctor visits.The Annual Ocean of Love Radiothon is in its 19th year and has raised over $1.7 million towards financial support for these families. On Monday, Toms River Fire Company #1 lifted radio personality Andy Chase to the top of the billboard, where he will remain all week. Each day, there are a variety of events to create awareness and draw supporters out to this important cause. Events include a visit from Scary Rotten Farms on Wednesday from 5-9pm, Dunk-a-Cop from 4-8pm on Thursday, as well as an appearance by Harlem Globetrotter Derek Murphy at 5pm.
To make a donation, you can visit the Billboard Radiothon in-person at the Target/Lowes parking lot and enjoy one of the many scheduled events. If you can't make it there, there are many other ways to contribute. The Hawk has mini-billboards set up at 11 different locations. In addition, The Hawk is also running a Pay to Play promotion. For a $20 donation, you can request a song to be played on air. Donations can also be made at both the 105.7 The Hawk and Ocean of Love websites, as well as by calling 877-HAWK-1057.
