A Look Back Over the Last Year 58, 59, 64

WCBS-FM Holiday Spectacular Goes Virtual

For 28 years, Scott Shannon has broadcast his final radio show of the year live from Blythedale and has raised more than $4 million for the Hospital. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from holding the annual Holiday Spectacular in person for the last two years, the beloved holiday broadcast hosted by WCBS-FM’s Scott Shannon in the Morning with Patty Steele was held virtually to protect the health and safety of Blythedale’s medically complex infants and children.

But rest assured, there has been no shortage of love and magic as Scott and Patty continue to bring an all-star line up to entertain the kids and hospital staff, whether it be on-air or via closedcircuit TV.

“December 2021 would have marked Scott’s 30th year of broadcasting live from Blythedale, so it was incredibly disappointing to have to cancel the in-person event,” said Blythedale President & CEO Larry Levine. “We are so grateful to Scott and Patty, and our friends at WCBS-FM, for their continued support and look forward to celebrating Scott’s milestone when it’s safe to do so.”

The star-studded line-up in 2021 and 2020 included Matchbox Twenty lead singer Rob Thomas (back for his 22nd consecutive appearance), singersongwriter/actress/author/TV host Kelly Clarkson, Grammy-nominated singersongwriter Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Joel’s longtime saxophonist Mark Rivera, and Tim McLoone with Holiday Express. Many thanks to those who generously donated to this long-standing tradition at Blythedale!

The creativity and enthusiasm of the popular morning show led to nearly $200,000 in donations over the last two years for the Hospital’s Infant Program and Traumatic Brain Injury Program.

To David and Manny, You have proved to be champions again and again.

Congratulations on this honor.