PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GUEST DJS … Front to back: Wauseon Assistant Police Chief Nathan Hartsock, Fulton County Sheriff Roy E. Miller, and retired judge Jeff Robinson were among the guest DJs who spent an hour taking pledges and requests as part of the annual Fulton County Heart Radiothon.
By: Sienna Garza
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
On Thursday, the airwaves filled with music and generosity as the 52nd Annual Heart Radiothon, broadcast on Archbold’s 96.1 WMTR station, united the community in a day-long fundraising effort to support life-saving equipment throughout Fulton County.
This year’s event carried special significance, as it was dedicated to Bill “Bird” Drummer, the longtime Wauseon Chamber President and devoted supporter of the Heart Radiothon, who passed away on July 20, 2025.
Drummer’s years of commitment to the cause served as inspiration for participants who called in throughout the day to make pledges and request songs in memory of loved ones, as a shout-out to friends or family, or just because.
The radiothon set an ambitious goal of $30,000, with proceeds going toward purchasing new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for facilities all around Fulton County, servicing existing units with fresh batteries and pads, and offering cholesterol screening through Fulton County Health Center for just $5 per screening.
To help clear up confusion around the life-saving devices, FCHC produced a video demonstrating how to properly use an AED and encouraging community members not to hesitate in an emergency.
Throughout the broadcast day, donors could request songs for $25 or more, or arrange shout-outs for smaller amounts.
The first dedication of the day was Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” followed by a tribute featuring Frank Sinatra’s “You and Me (We Wanted It All)” in loving memory of Max Smith, Sr.
As the hours progressed, the playlist reflected the community’s diverse musical tastes and heartfelt connections. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon energized listeners, while the Wauseon BMV made a significant statement with a $1,000 pledge to dedicate Toby Keith’s “American Soldier.”
Just before noon, Jeff Robinson and his wife Melinda selected The Temptations’ classic “My Girl” as a Motown tribute to “Bird,” expressing their gratitude for everything their friend had meant to them. The emotional dedications continued to pour in as the day wore on.
The evening hours brought a strong finish to the fundraising effort. Near 6:00 p.m., Cole Swindell’s song aired, followed by a $200 pledge from Whalen Realty and an auction for John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).”
In a remarkable show of support as the event drew to a close, one organization contributed a stunning $10,000 donation. Final fundraising totals were announced the following day with the reported amount raised coming in at $48,680.25.
Organizers expressed that the community’s generosity will ensure that Fulton County remains well-equipped with the AEDs that can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency.
The Heart Radiothon’s 52-year legacy continues to demonstrate the power of community coming together for a vital cause, one song dedication at a time.