Corporate Partner Spotlight: 97.1 WASH-FM

Donations from generous corporate sponsors help Children’s National Hospital lead in delivering world-class health care for children and their families. In our monthly Corporate Partner Spotlight, we share thoughts from some of our corporate leaders about what inspires them to serve as advocates and ambassadors within their company and across the community for our hospital. This month, we spoke with the 97.1 WASH-FM team with iHeartMedia.

Chilli, Jenni, Kala, Sabrina and Toby spend their days (and some early mornings!) working on-air and behind the scenes with 97.1 WASH-FM. They also dedicate time and resources to supporting Children’s National. The 97.1WASH FM team hosts an annual holiday season radiothon, donates advertising and supports Children’s National fundraising campaigns and events, among other things. In total, iHeartMedia has donated more than $3.8 million to Children’s National throughout our 7-year partnership.


Why do you support Children’s National?

Children's National saved my life as a young child so I will always be indebted to them. I support the hospital because of the gift of life they gave to me and for the lifesaving care they continue to provide to the community.
― Sabrina Conte, Afternoon Drive on 97.1 WASH-FM

What has partnering with the hospital over the years taught you?

Our community REALLY cares. Every year we ask our listeners to give, and they do ― time and time again. It’s such a heartwarming feeling.
― Jenni Chase, Middays on 97.1 WASH-FM

Joy, love, hope and cutting-edge medicine are all in the DNA of Children’s National. Patients find healing and overcome limitations they might not otherwise have because of Children’s National.
― Toby Knapp, Toby and Chilli Mornings on 97.1 WASH-FM

Children’s National just launched its follow the leader campaign, our first comprehensive campaign in more than a decade to transform the health and well-being of children in our community and beyond. Why is it so important for teams like yours to contribute to the success of this campaign and the hospital?

Radio reaches thousands of people every day. It's our job to inform and entertain our audiences. It’s also our job to help our community in any way we can, including getting important and impactful messages to our listeners.
― Chilli Amar, Toby and Chilli Mornings on 97.1 WASH-FM

What do you love most about working with Children’s National?

Knowing that I am helping make sure kids get to live a full life, because all kids deserve that.
― Kala, Executive Producer for Toby and Chilli Mornings on 97.1 WASH-FM

Your 2021 WASH-FM Cares for Kids radiothon raised more than $593,000 for kids and families at Children’s National last year. Amazing! In addition to monetary support, how else do you believe your radiothon helps make a difference?

Every single person who walks into Children's National has a story. I love that our radiothon shares these stories and rallies support. We remind listeners that these families ― whose lives were turned upside down in an instant ― are neighbors, coworkers and peers.
― Kala, Executive Producer for Toby and Chilli Mornings on 97.1 WASH-FM

What is the most rewarding part of the radiothon for your team?

The WASH-FM Cares for Kids radiothon is the most important thing we do each year. Our team is honored to help raise funds for Children’s National and use our platform to inform listeners of all the miracles that happen at Children’s National because of their generous donations.
― Jenni Chase, Middays on 97.1 WASH-FM

Anything else your team would like to share?

Children's National gives hope to countless families every day. I feel so fortunate to work with them every year.
― Chilli Amar, Toby and Chilli Mornings on 97.1 WASH-FM

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