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Radio Enlists To Fight Infantile Paralysis

Creator: n/a
Date: January 30, 1937
Publication: The President's Birthday Magazine
Publisher: National Committee for the Birthday Ball for the President to Fight Infantile Paralysis
Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library


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Radio stars and networks have been splendidly generous in their contribution to the fight against infantile paralysis.

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The National Broadcasting Company led off with a program from Hollywood on January 15 that embraced the brightest stars on that great network's horizon. Kenny Baker, Phil Baker, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Eddie Cantor (who spoke from his bed in the hospital), Ken Carpenter, Nelson Eddy, Alice Faye, Al Jolson, Dorothy Lamour, Jeanette MacDonald, Tony Martin, Walter O'Keefe, Joe Penner, Lanny Ross, Rudy Vallee, Meredith Wilson and Don Wilson made up the cast.

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The Columbia Broadcasting System was next in presenting a spectacular galaxy of stars from Station WABC, New York, on January 22. Headed by George M. Cohan, the cast included: Gabriel Heatter, Milton Berle, Lucy Monroe, Frank Parker, Robert L. Ripley, Fred Waring and his Glee Club, Freddie Rich and his orchestra, Bob Troutt and Dan Seymour. Mr. Keith Morgan made a stirring talk in behalf of the Foundation.

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On January 24 the Mutual Broadcasting System contributed an equally fine program. Helen Hayes, First Lady of the Theatre, Joan Bennett, Mischa Auer, Harold Stokes and his orchestra, Ella Logan, dynamic Scots swing singer, and baritone Milton Douglas "did their hit" in magnificent style. Then to climax this great Coast-to-Coast hook-up came one of radio's most dramatic moments. The lines were switched to Miami, Florida, and Frederick Snite, Jr., courageous "man in the iron lung," was introduced by his father.

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"Hello, everybody. This is Fred Snite, Junior, the boiler kid. I am happy to speak to you, and, like President Roosevelt, I am asking you to join with him in helping the Foundation to tight infantile paralysis. I know the importance of good medical and nursing care."

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As well he does!

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Mr. Robert I. Berger, Director of Radio for the Committee for the Celebration of the President's Birthday, handled the details of the programs and managed the promotion of the broadcast.

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