Hispanic Radiothon takes the mic to rally community support for Children’s Health

Radio host Armando “Chiquilin” Ulloa has made a career in front of the mic, discussing family, entertainment, sports and community issues with North Texas listeners on his morning show.

But for a few days in early December, Armando dedicates his show – El Chiquilin Todas Las Mañanas on La Grande 107.5 FM – to the patients, families and team members at Children’s Health. The Hispanic Radiothon is hosted in collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which partners with health care systems across the country to raise funds for local pediatric hospitals.

Broadcasting at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Armando welcomes grateful patient families to share their experiences with his Chiquilin Todas Las Mañanas audience. He also invites listeners to call and share their Children’s Health stories.

“Doing the show from the hospital is a big motivator. We talk about how the hospital looks and how welcoming it is for kids. For listeners who have been here, it brings them right back to their experience,” Armando said.

As he welcomes guests to the radiothon – called Milagros para Niños, which means Miracles for Children – he reminds listeners what a gift it is to have one of the country’s most prestigious pediatric health care providers in North Texas.

“We hear from all kinds of people, professionals and blue-collar workers ready to give. Helping kids is something everyone can relate to,” said Jimmy Gonzalez, vice president of Spanish Programming at Audacy and Brand Manager of La Grande.

Throughout the two days, Armando makes a public call to his listeners to give whatever they can to support Children’s Health patients. The radiothon is an example of how community giving ensures every patient’s needs are met. Most recently, funds raised during the radio drive support the new pediatric campus in Dallas, a project that will strengthen Children’s Health’s ability to care for children, especially the most medically complex and vulnerable population.

The call to give is an authentic ask for a radio host who isn’t afraid to get deeply personal.

Both of Armando’s daughters, who are now 11 and 5, were born prematurely. His youngest was born weighing just two pounds and spent six weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a hospital in Dallas, where she was born.

“My wife and I are so thankful to the doctors and nurses. We didn’t get to hold our first daughter until she was two weeks old,” Armando said. “During the radiothon, I transport myself to those days and how I felt when we could only watch her. I still remember when they put her in my wife’s arms for the first time.”

When he joined La Grande, Armando was glad to see that the station wasn't just entertaining – they were connecting with the community.

“We’re a bridge for the Spanish-speaking community to feel fully connected to where they live,” Armando said. “It’s a role I take seriously. Families need to know Children’s Health is available to them, and by coming here, they will receive the best care. Many team members at Children’s Health speak Spanish, and whenever my kids need care, it’s always such a positive experience.”

Since becoming a CMN partner in 2010, La Grande has received pledge donations to Children’s Health totaling more than $5 million.  In 2024, CMN honored Armando, Jimmy and the La Grande team with the Hispanic Media Partner of the Year award for their commitment and creative fundraising to support advances in care at Children’s Health.

“As a team, we’re honored to receive this award from the Children’s Miracle Network, but I have to give a huge amount of credit to Armando. He really shoulders the effort and the community responds,” Jimmy said.

Every year, the two are humbled by their audience’s generosity. But it doesn’t surprise them.

Both Armando and Jimmy say their favorite part is giving patient families and listeners the space to share their Children’s Health stories. They also enjoy hearing from their listeners how they use the radiothon to have conversations with their kids about supporting others.

“Family means everything to the Hispanic community. We spend time together and help each other out. We celebrate everything, so supporting families resonates with who we are,” Armando said.

Children’s Miracle Network Recognizes La Grade with Hispanic Media Partner of the Year Award

“Armando ‘Chiquilin’ Ulloa and his morning show team command a huge following of faithful listeners who show their support with their giving. These funds ensure that families can focus on their child while they’re in the hospital, instead of how they’re going to pay for care or if the providers have the expertise to help their child. These support the principal elements of the Children’s Miracle Network.”

Danny Garcia
Senior Director, Hispanic Partnerships
Children’s Miracle Network