News Summary
The 2025 Careathon auction is now live, raising funds for the Child Cancer Fund of Northeast Florida. This annual event supports pediatric cancer patients and their families. The auction features unique items, including a chance to become a meteorologist for a day. With over $2 million raised since its inception, the Careathon aims to increase community awareness and support for local children battling cancer. The event includes live broadcasts and personal stories highlighting the struggles of young cancer patients.
Jacksonville, Florida – The 2025 Careathon auction is officially underway and will remain open until 12:00 pm on Monday, August 18. This fundraiser aims to support pediatric cancer patients and their families through the Child Cancer Fund of Northeast Florida. Since launching in 2015, the Careathon has successfully raised over $2 million for the Child Cancer Fund, making a significant impact in the local community.
This year’s auction features a variety of exciting items, including the opportunity for one lucky participant to become a meteorologist for a day in the First Alert Weather Center, along with a chance to sit with popular hosts Brent Martineau and Austen Lane during a live broadcast. Other unique auction items include artwork created by the 104.5 FM WOKV news team, featuring contributions from both local and national celebrities and politicians.
The 11th annual Careathon will take place on August 15 and 16. During this event, local radio and TV stations will broadcast stories highlighting courage, hope, and survival as they draw attention to the struggles faced by young cancer patients. The broadcast is set to kick off at 5:00 am on August 15 and will continue until 5:00 pm the following day.
Listeners wishing to support the cause can do so in several ways including calling 855-636-6877, texting WOKV to 707070, or by making one-time or recurring donations. Bidding in the auction is another way to contribute to the cause, and it is hoped that the community will rally together to show support for local children battling cancer.
Currently, there are approximately 300 children undergoing active treatment for cancer in Northeast Florida, with around 150 new diagnoses made each year. Recognizing the challenges these families face, the Child Cancer Fund has provided over 30 years of support, covering various forms of assistance such as practical, educational, financial, and emotional guidance. Recently, the organization has also embraced innovative therapeutic methods, including psychosocial music and animal-assisted therapies, to aid in the healing process.
The Careathon initiative has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a cornerstone of local philanthropy for pediatric cancer care. The funds raised not only help individual families in need but also contribute to broader community awareness and education regarding childhood cancer. Each year, the event draws participation from community members, celebrities, and public figures who understand the importance of supporting these young patients and their families during their difficult journeys.
Rich Jones, a notable figure in the community, has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at improving local conditions. As the host of Jacksonville’s Morning News, a position he has held since 2006, he continues to use his platform to draw attention to local issues, including pediatric cancer. With a strong commitment to service and a deep connection to his community—where he is also a father of three—Jones exemplifies the spirit of the Careathon.
The weeklong campaign ultimately culminates in a live two-day broadcast from Nemours Children’s Health, where stories of hope and determination will further galvanize community support for those affected by pediatric cancer. The endeavors of the Careathon reflect not only a commitment to fundraising but a profound dedication to raising awareness and supporting local families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV Careathon
- WOKV Careathon Auction Announcement
- Action News Jax: Careathon Coverage
- Wikipedia: Childhood Cancer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
