Spanish stations raise hospital funds

The parent company of two Spanish- language radio stations raised about $ 327,000 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the hospital announced.

EZ Spanish Media, which includes Springdale’s KSECFM, 95.7, and Little Rock’s KOLL- FM, 106.3, raised the money during events late last month, according to a news release Wednesday.

The money will go to the children’s hospital under construction in Springdale, the main hospital in Little Rock and a Little Rock clinic opening this summer, according to the release.

“This annual event has become our most ambitious project,” Eddie Vega, EZ Spanish Media’s owner, said in the release. “This particular year is even more special, because all the funds raised from the Northwest Arkansas radiothon are going to the new hospital being built in Springdale.”

About $ 244,000 will go specifically toward the project in Springdale, a hospital spokesman said. The hospital is set to open near Arvest Ballpark early next year.

This year’s radio fundraiser was the largest since it began eight years ago, according to the release. Donations over that time have reached almost $ 2 million.

Fred Scarborough, chief development officer for the hospital and president of its foundation, praised the media company as “a generous, longtime supporter.”

Foundations, companies and private donors have raised almost $ 62 million for the Springdale hospital’s construction, according to the hospital system. The 233,000- square- foot facility will include inpatient beds, clinics and a helipad.