Kids Day marshals Valley volunteers
22nd annual event supports Children's Hospital Central California

By Austin Ward,
News editor
March 6, 2009

Volunteers from throughout the Valley congregated at intersections for Kids Day to hawk $1 copies of The Fresno Bee, March 3.

The 22nd annual event raised more than $422,600 for Children's Hospital Central California, according to the hospital's Web site, exceeding the $400,000 goal set for 2009.

The Kids Day campaign, which began in 1988, is a joint effort by the hospital, the Bee and KFSN (Channel 30) to earn money for the hospital by selling special editions of the Bee. The issues feature stories and profiles of young patients at the hospital.

The event drew more than 4,000 volunteers to the streets, according to the Bee, including over 30 students from the campus student leadership class.

The sales force from the school sold more than 340 newspapers and raised $636.72, leadership advisor Aaron Bryan said. Most of the students gathered at the intersection of Alluvial and Maple avenues at 6 a.m.

"Our students were a vital part of the team that helped to surpass this year's $400,000 goal," Bryan said. "I am very proud of their commitment and the sacrifices these student leaders continue to make.

"It was great to see the community of Fresno, and even the entire Valley, coming together to raise money to support an institution who exists to provide for the physical needs of children."

Junior Tyler Duerr, who sold papers at the intersection of Cedar and Alluvial avenues, said the atmosphere of the event was cheerful even though most of the volunteers seemed tired.


"I enjoyed volunteering at Kids Day because it was fun to work with my fellow leadership students to better the community," Duerr said. "I had to wake up at 5 [a.m.], but it was definitely worth it."

The intersection of Shaw and Blackstone avenues, often considered the center of Fresno, played host to several local celebrities and press officials.

Mayor Ashley Swearengin, former mayor Alan Autry and Jim Boren, Editorial Page Editor and Vice President of the Bee, all donned yellow aprons to participate in the fundraising, among others.

"It's really heartwarming [to see the volunteers]," Swearengin said. "My daughter has been a patient so I know first-hand how important it is to support the hospital."

Despite busy schedules and other commitments, both Swearengin and Autry found time to support the hospital.

"Part of being a good American is giving back to others," Autry said. "Always make sure you give back to those who are less fortunate."

Although the economy might have discouraged some people from donating, others contributed much more than the $1 suggested price for a single newspaper. Jerry Yang, the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion, arrived at the intersection and handed six $100 bills to Boren and the others.

"People have been very generous to me so far," Boren said. "From my sales, I think I'm up from last year."

Twelve members of Clovis West High School's drum line played at the intersection during the morning for volunteers and passerby. Michael Monohon, a junior in the band, said he recognizes the benefit of Kids Day.

"You have to wake up early, but it's fun," Monohon said. "A lot of people see it [Kids Day] as 'everybody bothers you to buy a newspaper,' but it actually helps in the long run. I think it's a good cause and I think more people should get involved with it."

For more photos of Kids Day, visit I want YOU, Kids Day partners and Exhausted Bee volunteer.