Rain and ice weren’t going to stop residents from all over the region, as they braved the weather last Friday to come together in support of hospitals, health and their neighbors.

The Annual 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-Thon has been raising much-needed funds–and awareness–about heart disease in Sullivan County for 48 years.

This year’s Honorary Co-chairs, Jeff Bank President George Kinne and SUNY Sullivan President Dr. David Potash, know just how important this annual event is to our community.

“I was incredibly humbled to be asked to co-chair the 2026, 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon,” Kinne said. “The outpouring of community support for this event was fabulous. The committee of volunteers who worked tirelessly over the past four months and individuals, organizations and businesses who so generously gave their time and funds to this worthy cause truly demonstrate what a wonderful county we live in. Thank you to everyone involved in the success of the 48th annual Heart-A-Thon.”

The event raised an impressive $85,931 during its 12-hour live broadcast from Resorts World Catskills.

SUNY Sullivan President Dr. David Potash said, “On behalf of SUNY Sullivan, everyone at the college is deeply grateful for the 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-Thon. Personally, it’s been an honor and pleasure working on the effort with wonderful people for a really important cause.”

Those funds support Garnet Health Medical Center facilities in Callicoon and Harris, including the purchase of cardiac monitoring equipment used in emergency rooms. 

Also on the list of recipients this year were SUNY Sullivan’s nursing program, Sullivan 180, A Single Bite’s nutritional education efforts, NAMI Sullivan County, and the STEAM Fund’s school programming.

For Heart-a-Thon volunteer Lori Orestano-James, calling the event a fundraiser doesn’t even scratch the surface: to her, it’s a lifelong commitment.

“In 2026, or as in any year, it’s truly a community event,” emphasized James, a long-time Heart-A-Thon’s volunteer. “We are a small community, we’re a network community, we’re a family community, and we care about each other.”

Since the Heart-A-Thon’s humble beginnings at the Apollo Mall—with “two little tables and a whole bunch of us standing around with balloons”— James has been a staple participant.

The event didn’t just stay there; it circulated to other Sullivan County locales as it pumped on in popularity. It went beat for beat from the mall to Kutsher’s Country Club, then to Garnet Health Medical Center [adapting during COVID], and finally to Resorts World Catskills. 

Last Friday’s event featured 33 vendors, up from last year’s 15, along with eight educational classes and a blood drive through the New York Blood Center.

“The money raised here locally stays here locally,” James stated.