Wow Missoula! KYSSMAS for Kids Total Goes Even Higher

Don't let it ever be said that being last minute can't make a difference.

We were already on Cloud 9 with the record-breaking amount you donated for the "KYSSMAS for Kids" campaign on Friday. When the dust settled after 13 hours on air, dozens of phone calls, auction bids recruiting, and on-air guests dropping back with astonishing donations, we announced a total "north of $100,000".

Over the past few days, we plugged in more last-minute donations and the new total went even higher. In fact, we can safely say the 2024 KYSSMAS for Kids is the biggest fundraiser in Missoula's broadcasting history!

Get our free mobile app

What's the final KYSSMAS for Kids total?

Wednesday, we were joined in studio on "Daybreak with Dennis" by super volunteer, our KYSSMAS "Elf on the Street", John Maki who worked for days with his List of Friends, raising about half of Friday's original total.

"This is powerful," Maki said as he prepared for the announcement. "Last year, KYSSMAS for Kids brought in somewhere near $80,000, give or take a thousand bucks. The year before that, we're in that $51,000 range."

"And man, I'm telling you, I am so happy to sit here with you this morning and let everybody out there listening know that this year's 2024 KYSSMAS for Kids total is $122,000!"

LISTEN TO THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

Humbled by your generosity

We want to thank not only all the hundreds of donors, but also the people who bid on auction items, the businesses who donated items, and our technical partners at Watson Children's Shelter for helping with the robust system to keep KYSSMAS operational.

I noted that there will be about 1200 kids that are going to get a chance to not only have something under the tree, but also to shop for their siblings and families, and change lives.

Maki says he told his wife his "Christmas cup is full."

"This is the stuff I really live for. This is what the Christmas spirit is, and it's alive and well. 5 or 6 years ago we weren't sure how this was going to come together," John stated, referring to the "lean years" of the campaign during the pandemic.

"I'm here to tell you, we're back."

And friends, after such a divisive year, it's proof that Montana still does care.

Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.