What began as a modest fundraiser in 2004 has grown into one of the region’s most heartfelt and community-driven traditions. The WBKR St. Jude Radiothon has raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by building what host Chad Benefield calls an “army of hope,” comprising listeners and supporters who are deeply moved by the stories of the children and families served by the hospital.
Benefield and former co-host Jaclyn Graves helped transform the radiothon from a routine broadcast into a mission-driven event rooted in local storytelling, community partnerships, and emotional connection.
“The St. Jude Radiothon means a lot to me,” Graves said. “It’s a showcase of people coming together to lift up our neighbors, our friends, our family. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Graves joined the effort in 2008, when the radiothon raised about $45,000. While proud of that result, she and Benefield believed the community could give more if they better understood the mission of St. Jude.
A shift in direction
Benefield said he and Graves took a bold approach, reworking the entire format of the radiothon. Instead of alternating between music and fundraising pitches, they devoted 26 consecutive hours to sharing stories from patients and families, conducting live community interviews, and featuring special guests.
They also began organizing trips to St. Jude in Memphis, inviting local supporters to tour the hospital, meet families, and see firsthand what donations support.
“We knew if people saw the hospital for themselves, they’d come back home and make a difference,” Benefield said.
They also brought in longtime supporter Jerry Morris and his cooking team. Though hesitant at first, Morris eventually made the trip to Memphis and has since become one of the radiothon’s top fundraisers. His annual cook-off now raises over $100,000 on its own.
Community effort and awareness
The event gained more momentum through attention-grabbing efforts like “Sweatin’ for St. Jude.” For the first installment, Graves ran 25 miles on a treadmill. Benefield doubled it, running 50 miles in a single day.
“It was brutal, but we did it to show solidarity with the patients,” Benefield said.
In 2016, the pair biked 300 miles from Memphis to Owensboro. These physical challenges were designed to generate awareness and get the community talking.
The reach of the radiothon has continued to grow. Owensboro Health employees now donate through payroll programs. Local organizations like Bluegrass Legends, Barrel Heads, and Owensboro Racing and Gaming have found ways to support the cause. Other supporters include Joe Bush with Window World, the Howards, and many more who host their own fundraisers or volunteer each year.
“There’s a whole team of people behind this,” Graves said. “From the folks who answer phones to the people who just show up each year without being asked, it’s a true community effort.”
Moments that stick
Support often comes in emotional waves. One boy, Gavin Howard, gave $30 of his birthday money one year, then more than $300 the next, and later returned with a check for $12,000.
Another powerful memory came from a mother named Jen, who unexpectedly heard her late son’s voice on the radio during a radiothon in another state. Inspired by her story, Benefield wrote a song titled “She Heard His Voice Today,” which was later played for her during a surprise call-in segment.
Between 2009 and 2016, Benefield and Graves wrote and recorded a new song each year based on the story of a St. Jude patient. The songs became emotional centerpieces of the radiothon and were performed live or played during key moments.
One of the most memorable was “Thumbs Up,” written in honor of McLean County’s Lane Goodwin. His social media campaign drew national attention and became a rallying cry for families across the region.
Still growing
Though Graves left WBKR nearly 10 years ago, she returns every year to co-host parts of the radiothon and reconnect with families.
“I’m like a proud mom when I go back,” she said. “Chad is the heartbeat of this mission. He leads with love and excellence. I’m so grateful to have played a part in it.”
The annual event continues to evolve, with new groups and individuals joining the effort each year. From phone bank volunteers to local businesses and first-time donors, the radiothon continues to build on its mission of community giving.
“It’s an honor to walk alongside people during their lowest and highest moments,” Graves said. “Seeing what this radiothon continues to be just makes my heart so full.”
The 2026 WBKR St. Jude Radiothon continues through Friday evening.
