Fans and supporters opened up their hearts and their pockets to Radio Lollipop this past Valentine’s Day during the Magic 102.7s Fifth Annual Sock-Hop, benefitting Radio Lollipop, at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Business suits were exchanged for poodle skirts and pony tails, leather jackets and rolled-up jeans and t-shirts.

The 50’s and 60’s came to life when everyone hit the dance floor to the tunes of Charlie Tona & the Soul Providers, George Galfo’s Mystics and Tommy Mara and the Crests. Even one of Miami Children’s Hospital long-time patients, Elizabth June Silver, got in on the fun. The 14-year old hoola-hooped her way into the hearts of everyone. All the money donated to her was then turned over to Radio Lollipop.

Founder and creator of Radio Lollipop, Hedley Finn, also joined on the fun and celebrated twenty-five successful years of Radio Lollipop. Mr Finn thanked the audience for their continued support of the organisation.

Radio Lollipop is eternally grateful to Mindy Lang, on-air personality from majoc 102.7 Oldies Radio. Her continuous devotion and commitment has ensured a successful Sock Hop each year. Thanks to our many generous, silent auction donaors and raffles sales, this rocking and rolling night brought in a total profit of $28,000. The money raised will be used for the day-to-day operations of the unique play and radio service, being laughter and fun to the patients of Miami Children’s Hospital.

Some may say Friday 13th is unlucky, but not so for Radio Lollipop Edinburgh this year. Melanie Crout and Mark Douglas from Gorebridge decided to organise a rock gig to be held in Greenhall Community Centre and to gift Radio Lollipop the proceeds. Mel indicated the reasoning behind the decision to donate Radio Lollipop the funds were that members of the participating bands thought it was a worthy cause, to keep sick children happy and smiling even at the worst of times.

Radio Lollipop’s representatives on the night were John Macaulay and Graham Barr, with John compering the event in his own inimitable style. Proceedings got underway at 6.30pm with Help Accident, a motley band indeed, mostly teachers from Lasswade High School and it was they who opened the gig to warm up the crowd. A great start to the evening was followed by bands of a more youthful age. From the rock groups 4th in line, Best Laid Plans, Fester, Neon Death Squad through to the funk sounds of the System everyone enjoyed the night and each and everyone of the bands were fantastic.

4th In Line, Best Laid Plans and Fester comprise pupils from Lasswade High School, Neon Death Squad are from St David’s High School and the System are from Dalkeith High School. If you would like more information on where to see the bands play, and if you have access to the internet, please feel free to look up the band name on the internet.

The organisers would like to thank sound engineer Euan Magregor, stage manager Andy Shaw, lighting engineer Laurence, John who organised publicity and the two Ron’s on the door AKA Bob and Mark. A special note of thanks should also go to Bonny Gifts in Bonnyrigg for their donation and everyone else who helped on the night. Lastly a big thank you to the Greenhall Centre for hosting the gig and allowing the use of the stage equipment.

Radio Lollipop would like to thank both Melanie Crout and Mark Douglas for organizing the event and to all the bands who took part in making the event a success. Many thanks.