WCYY’s Markathon Raised $71,000 for the Center For Grieving Children

Another year, another epic week of Markathon! WCYY’s annual fundraiser for The Center for Grieving Children wrapped up its 16th year, raising a jaw-dropping $71,000 to support families navigating loss -- yup, that's a new Markathon record. Over 125 hours of nonstop music requests, floor naps for Mark, and food dropped off by clients and friends piling up in the studio turned into something truly incredible... again.

Mark Curdo, the superhero of fundraising and floor sleeping, once again moved into the WCYY studio for the week, making it his home away from home. The man took song requests and donations around the clock, proving once again that music has the power to heal... even if it's not all good music— and that Mark has the ability to survive on surprisingly little sleep.

The Center for Grieving Children provides a safe and nurturing space for kids and families experiencing loss, and since 2008, Markathon has been all about supporting this vital cause and after this year, Mark has officially helped to raise over $870,000 for the Center... yup, we're approaching the $1 million milestone!

A big part of the week is the visitors from the Center For Grieving Children along with sponsors and friends. Pictured below are Steve and Sarah, who have been a huge part of the Center and Markathon since day one. They're always there to show their support...and do get right into the Markathon theme of the year, which was Jaws.

Mark, with Steve (dressed up as Quint, who you may remember as the captain of the boat in Jaws) and Sarah, along with Gretchen Johnson, the executive director for The Center, and the Captain from WCYY sister station, WBLM.

As usual, people got weird with the requests, everything from classical to classic rock to jazz and funk, and a few that quite frankly don't particularly fit into any specific genre. Our listeners never fail to come up with some of the most obscure tracks imaginable, turning the airwaves into a glorious jukebox of generosity. Some of the highlights this year include the Power Rangers Theme Song, Jerry Reed "She Got Out of the Gold Mine, I Got the Shaft", The Wolfe Tones "On the One Road", Theme to Fidler on the Roof Broadway with Dialogue and the most requested of the year Kenny Rogers "The Gambler", which got played 3 times.

By the end of the week, Mark emerged from the studio victorious (and conscious) — and perhaps in desperate need of a shower. Sure, the air might have been a little ripe after five days, but hey, $71K for a great cause always makes everything smell better.

A big thanks to the man himself, Mark Curdo. Also a big thanks to our sponsors, the staff/volunteers at the Center and to everyone that donated this year.