2025 Radiothon and Gifts of Community Recap

Each year, FamilyWise leads two initiatives in December that bring our communities together to support families in the Twin Cities and across the state. We are so thankful for everyone who partnered in making these programs successful this year! 

Radiothon to End Child Abuse  

Our partners in Brainerd

This month FamilyWise held the 37th annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse in partnership with Hubbard Broadcasting and family-serving organizations and agencies across Northcentral Minnesota. Thanks to the generosity of community members, over $200,000 was raised in support of local and statewide child abuse prevention initiatives! 

The first Radiothon was held in 1987 as a partnership between Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, Omni Broadcasting, and local community partners in Bemidji. Since then, it has grown into a 24-hour radio event hosted by Hubbard Broadcasting across our radio markets in Bemidji, Alexandria, Brainerd, and Wadena. In addition to raising funds, this event has significantly raised awareness and brought communities together to act on behalf of children and families in deep and meaningful ways. Learn more about the impact of the event.  

For FamilyWise, Radiothon donations help support Circle of Parents, a program that creates safe spaces where parents come together to share challenges and successes. When parents build social connections and learn about resources in their communities, they feel less isolated and are more equipped to ask for help. These are critical factors that prevent child abuse and neglect.  

Our partners and staff in Bemidji

We are grateful for the incredible work of our Radiothon partners, including: Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Beltrami County Child & Parent Connection, Cass County/Leech Lake Children’s Initiative, Crow Wing County Child Protection Team, Douglas County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force, Grant County Child & Youth Council, Hubbard County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Morrison County Child Protection Team, Otter Tail County Child Protection Team, Todd County PEACE Council, Wadena County Child Abuse Prevention Council. 

Gifts of Community Holiday Giving Program  

Our Gifts of Community Holiday Giving Program wrapped up earlier this month with all the gifts having been shopped for, dropped off, and delivered to 517 people from 129 families. The program matches donors, including individuals, families, and corporate and community groups, with the holiday wish lists of families participating in FamilyWise programs. The goal is to support families by removing some of the stress of the holiday season and to make space for more time together. Thank you to all those who sponsored families this year! 

Gift drop-off from a partner