The 2025 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon shattered previous fundraising records by raising more than $5.76 million to support cancer research, organizers announced. The milestone marks the 23rd year of the event, which has become a cornerstone of Boston sports philanthropy.
With the continued generosity of the Jimmy Fund community and Red Sox Nation, the annual telethon has now raised a staggering $80 million since its inception in 2002. The 2025 campaign alone drew 11,000 gifts from donors across all 50 states, with more than 2,700 callers contributing throughout the broadcast. Notably, over 60% of donations were under $100, highlighting the wide-ranging support from fans and local communities.
A highlight of the telethon was a $1 million matching challenge on the first day, courtesy of Celtics minority owner Rob Hale and Granite Telecommunications founder. The challenge energized donors, prompting a surge in contributions that helped propel the event past its previous records.
NESN personalities and WEEI hosts guided viewers and listeners through the two-day fundraiser, sharing stories of patients, survivors, and medical breakthroughs funded by the Jimmy Fund. Telethon organizers emphasized the lasting impact of every donation, noting that contributions directly support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers in developing new treatments and therapies.
Since its first broadcast in 2002, the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon has become a staple of Boston sports media, blending entertainment, athletics, and community engagement for a life-saving cause. The event underscores the powerful role local media outlets play in philanthropy, leveraging their platforms to mobilize fans and create measurable impact in the fight against cancer.
As the telethon concluded, organizers reflected on the collective effort that made the milestone possible, praising volunteers, donors, and media partners for their dedication. The 2025 campaign not only set a new record for the event but also reinforced the enduring legacy of the Jimmy Fund in Boston sports culture and charitable giving nationwide.
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