Variety – the Children’s Charity’s Two Days of Compassion Radiothon Raises over $221,000 for Iowa Families

Des Moines, IA — Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa’s annual Two Days of Compassion Radiothon, presented by Hy-Vee, raised a record-breaking $221,000 (net) to support Iowa children and families facing pediatric medical crises. The funds will directly benefit the Variety Compassion Fund, which provides immediate emotional and financial relief to families navigating extended and unexpected hospital stays. 

Broadcasted live from Jordan Creek Town Center on WHO News Radio and KXNO Sports Radio, the two-day radiothon united listeners, donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community members around a shared mission: ensuring families can focus on being with their child during life-threatening medical situations. 

“For families with a critically ill child, the Compassion Fund offers help at the exact moment it’s needed most,” said Wendy Ingham, Executive Director of Variety. “The generosity shown by Iowans during Two Days of Compassion makes an immediate and meaningful difference for families during some of their hardest days.” 

“Hy-Vee’s mission to serve Iowa families extends beyond our stores,” said Ryan Roberts, Senior Vice President, Operations, North at Hy-Vee and board member of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa. “We’re proud to serve as a major partner with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, because we know our donation helps parents and caregivers pay for things like food, fuel and other essentials so they can spend less time worrying and more time focusing on their child.” 

Funds raised through the radiothon allow hospital social workers and nurses to quickly provide financial relief to cover meals, gas, utility assistance, or other immediate needs for families with children experiencing long and stressful hospital stays. 

For decades, Two Days of Compassion has demonstrated the extraordinary generosity of Iowans who believe no family should face a child’s medical crisis alone. Every donation, whether $5 or $5,000, helps provide comfort, dignity, and hope when families need it most.