Light Up The Season Radiothon Raises Vital Funds For Children’s Hospital New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – To kick off the holiday season at Children's Hospital New Orleans, The Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation presented the fourth annual Light Up the Season Radiothon to raise funds in support of the hospital’s vital mission. The Audacy New Orleans family of radio stations, together with generous sponsors and listeners, raised $157,000 for Children’s Hospital New Orleans December 4-6.

“Children’s Hospital is proud to deliver expert care for every child, regardless of the family’s ability to pay,” said Children’s Hospital New Orleans President and CEO, Lucio A. Fragoso. “The hospital provided more than $21 million in charitable care just last year, which is made possible with the support of the community, generous donors and supporters. Philanthropic support also helps us expand vital programs and services, and fund life-saving projects. Events like the Light Up the Season Radiothon and crucial partnerships with organizations like Children’s Miracle Network, Audacy, and the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation help us fulfill our mission.”

On December 4, 5, and 6, WWL Radio and Audacy’s music stations, B97, Magic 101.9, and Bayou 95.7, broadcasted live from Children's Hospital, encouraging listeners to donate. Throughout the three days, as the stations aired live from the Main Concourse of Children’s Hospital, patients, families, providers, and team members shared their extraordinary stories of hope and healing.

Sponsors Jessica Brandt, Tranesouth.com, Doerr Furniture, First American Bank and Trust, Aucoin Hart, Mercedes of Covington, TRAPP Chevrolet, and Hooters of Louisiana doubled donations during dedicated matching hours.

“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who helped us reach our goal during this year’s Radiothon,” said Jessica Brandt, who serves on the Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees. She continued, “It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but we can’t forget about those in need. Every donation helps Children’s Hospital change someone’s life for the better — truly bringing a special kind of joy this time of year.”

For 70 years, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has served as the only freestanding, comprehensive children’s hospital for Louisiana and the Gulf South. From routine wellness checks to the most complex medical procedures, Children’s Hospital is proud to care for every child regardless of the family’s ability to pay. With a recently completed campus expansion, Children’s Hospital New Orleans provides the highest level of pediatric care in the State, backed by more than 700 pediatric-trained providers and specialists. Children’s Hospital also offers a vibrant academic medical community through partnerships with LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane University School of Medicine, the only pediatric facility in Louisiana to incorporate two pediatric medical programs under one roof.

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About Children’s Hospital New Orleans
Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, delivered just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Children’s offers a comprehensive array of pediatric healthcare services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, the hospital operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Diamondhead, MS. Children’s offers primary care services at 14 convenient locations and remotely via its Virtual Care for Kids program. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at chnola.org


Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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Children’s Hospital New Orleans announces Louisiana Legacy fundraising event, celebrating its 70th anniversary while honoring Olivia and Archie Manning and the Manning family