When John Mandt Jr., owner of Stewart's Original Hotdogs, set out to create an annual event, he wanted it to have meaning and provide education. Little did he realize that his vision would benefit not only those who attended, but also those who weren't able to attend due to illness.

"When I came up with this idea, I wanted a way to not only bring people together, but to also bring about awareness and raise money for a cause that is near to my heart," said Mandt. "There was a time when we didn't have the availability of a children's hospital and I know how important it is that we have that now. This event focuses on raising funds to help children who have cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. And through Hoops Family Children's Hospital (HFCH) at Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH), we are able to be a part of helping healing take place."

The first five years of the event, the funds were focused toward the Pediatric Oncology Department. This department, located in the Edward Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides treatment to children from infancy through adulthood, diagnosed with cancer. Current funds raised are used to support the programs and services for all children at the HFCH.

"All proceeds we raise from the Hot Dog Festival directly benefit the children in our region," Mandt explained. "The festival is in its 17th year and I believe we will continue to bring awareness and support for years to come."

Mandt said the event continues to grow and draw people from all over the Tri-State. "We are making a difference and we continue to encourage kids at the event to be original and make a difference, through volunteer work or fundraising. Each child has an original talent that they can grow and use to be the future of our cause, in their own way. We want them to realize this talent and feel supported in their efforts to do something with it," he said.

"We are very appreciative of iHeart Radio for executing this annual event, and of all of the partnership and support our entire community puts into this event," says the staffs of Mountain Health Network and Hoops Family Children's Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital. "It takes a community to make any outreach successful and John Mandt and our friends at iHeart Radio have been able to pull everyone in a single direction to make this event something special that people travel from miles around to attend. And because of that, we are able to continue with our progress in providing the healthcare needs to children in our Tri-State region."