(L-R) Katina McKibbin (President/Owner of McKibbin Media Group), Shawna Tello (CEO - Jackson YMCA) and Theresa Horne (Senior Director of Membership & Healthy Living - Jackson YMCA).

McKibbin Media Group's WKHM-FM (Jackson)(K105.3 FM) held its fifth annual Charity Radiothon on May 9.  The on-air talent of McKibbin Media Group's Jackson cluster broadcast live from the main studio on Glenshire Drive, Downtown Studio and Jackson YMCA for 12 straight hours, accepting donations while completing fun and intense dares from their listeners and clients based on fundraising goals.

This year, K105.3 raised over $13,900 in donations from community members and clients, which was split two ways to benefit the following causes:

• Jackson YMCA - $6,544
• Jamie McKibbin Memorial Scholarship Fund - $7,400

“We can’t thank everyone enough who made a donation to the Charity Radiothon. Because of the generosity of so many we were able to surpass our 12-hour goal of $12,000. This wouldn’t be possible without our loyal clients and listeners,” McKibbin Media Group President and Owner Katina McKibbin said. “Thank you to all who were involved in this wonderful event.”

Among some of the dares the DJs completed live on-air Friday in exchange for donations were a hot sauce tasting challenge, a blind taste test of various foods; getting their noses waxed and handling a boa constrictor/snake provided by Wild World Adventures, a coney dog eating challenge, and more.

Several activities were held at the Jackson YMCA including a basketball free throw contest and doing math problems while working out in the gym.

An hour of the radiothon in the morning was a tribute to McKibbin Media Group’s late founder Jamie McKibbin, as Jamie’s 48th birthday was on May 9. Jamie passed away in 2020 just months after purchasing the radio stations in Jackson and Hillsdale. Many of the donations during the 9 a.m. hour benefited the scholarship fund, which is in his name through the Michigan Association of
Broadcasters (MAB) Foundation.

Each year McKibbin Media Group selects local charities based upon nominations from employees to split the total funds collected during the event. Thus far, the five charity radiothons have earned over
$60,000 for Jackson-based charities and non-profits.