In 2009, WTMX-FM sponsored more than 102 community events and devoted 130 hours of airtime to helping Chicagoans better understand the issues and problems that affect their lives and communities. WTMX-FM Chicago , Ill., was one of 10 NAB Crystal Radio Award winners in 2010. Click here for a summary of their outstanding 2009 community service efforts.

Below is a summary of WTMX-FM’s 2009 community service efforts that the station submitted as part of their entry:

At WTMX Chicago, we believe a community is only as strong as its people are empowered to be. Motivating people to help others is a driving force at WTMX. This mantra is a cultural norm within our organization and one we actively project to our listeners. We provide opportunities to give back through our “Make A Difference” Web section and present events like our annual “Eric and Kathy Charity Golf Outing” and holiday concert. Our cornerstone charity event, “The Eric and Kathy 36 Hour Radiothon,” raises money for Children’s Memorial Hospital, an institution that touches thousands of families in our city, our state and even the world. This year, MIX listeners became fund-raising “Change Makers” months before the radiothon, which raised more than $1.6 million for Children’s Memorial Hospital. Additionally, WTMX mobilized a team for the two-day Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, raising $37,043. Individually, WTMX’s employees personally donated more than 1,674 hours of service to 71 organizations. We empowered more than 453 charitable causes, donating more than $7.6 million in free media support through our website, on-air, streaming audio, PSAs, interviews and community events. WTMX encourages a culture of giving back.

Now is the time to begin collecting materials for your 2011 Crystal Radio Award entry. NAB is accepting entries from all radio stations beginning January 3, 2011. Entry information can be found here.