27th annual 96.5 WKLH Miracle Marathon raises more than $1,025,000 for Children’s Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (May 19, 2025) — Thanks to the amazing generosity of the community, the 27th annual WKLH Miracle Marathon presented by Mars Family Foundation raised more than $1,025,000. Hosted by Dorene Michaels and Dave Coombs from Milwaukee’s Hometown Morning Show on 96.5 WKLH, the two-day, 36-hour radiothon is the highest-grossing fundraiser for Children’s Wisconsin, delivering funds that directly support critical programs and services for kids and families.

“We are incredibly thankful to the donors, volunteers and advocates who make Miracle Marathon presented by Mars Family Foundation possible year after year. As we proudly celebrate 27 years of partnership with 96.5 WKLH, we are especially grateful to co-hosts Dorene Michaels and Dave Coombs and the whole team at WKLH for their passion and dedication,” said Meg Brzyski Nelson, president of the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation. “The money raised through this event stays right here in Wisconsin, supporting care, advocacy, research and education to help make Wisconsin’s kids the healthiest in the nation.”

The radiothon featured nearly 40 patient families, hospital physicians, leaders and staff sharing stories that illuminate how Children’s Wisconsin impacts the health of thousands of children statewide. All dollars raised from Miracle Marathon directly benefit Wisconsin’s kids, through programs like child life services, as well as research and innovation. The remarkable support from individuals, corporations and partners allows Children’s Wisconsin to continue providing better care and a better experience for every family they serve.

“Being a part of Miracle Marathon for the last 10 years has been truly humbling, thanks to the incredible families who share their stories and our listeners who generously donate,” said Michaels. “The impact of raising more than $30 million dollars over the years is profound — it helps ensure that Children’s Wisconsin can continue providing the exceptional care that changes lives.”

During the 36 hours of the radiothon, Miracle Marathon brought to light the many facets of care that Children’s Wisconsin provides. The support of the community and events like the WKLH Miracle Marathon allow Children’s Wisconsin to provide the best and safest care for Wisconsin’s kids now and for generations to come.

For those who weren’t able to contribute during the radiothon but still want to make a difference, contributions to the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation are still accepted at childrenswi.org/miraclemarathon2025 through the end of May.

About Children’s Wisconsin
Children’s Wisconsin is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wisconsin, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals report. Children’s Wisconsin provides primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, mental and behavioral health care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. In 2023, Children’s Wisconsin invested more than $181 million in the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. Children’s Wisconsin achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

About 96.5 WKLH
WKLH is owned by Lakefront Communications LLC. Lakefront is a subsidiary of Saga Communications, Inc., a broadcast company devoted to acquiring, developing, and operating broadcast properties. Saga owns or operates broadcast properties in 26 markets, including 75 FM, 33 AM radio stations and 64 metro signals. For more information about WKLH – Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock, visit the website at wklh.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.