What Radio Does Best
Cox Media Group AC WFEZ (Easy 93.1)/Miami recently helped grant the lifelong wish of a disabled military veteran who wanted to see Barbra Streisand in concert… and even took it several steps further! Gary Williams, Director Of Branding & Programming for Easy 93.1 recently received an email from Sergio Lopez, a 45-year-old father of three who was severely injured by an IAD while serving in Iraq in 2006. The explosion caused Sgt. Lopez a brain injury and a spinal cord injury, and he said the recovery process has been challenging. Lopez asked the station if they might be able to help fulfill a dream of his by trying to get tickets for him to see Barbra Streisand.
As Williams relates to RAMP, “After a few phone calls, not only did we get tickets, but we also got local TV station WSVN to cover the story. We sent morning personality Giselle Andres to Sgt. Lopez’s home along with the TV crew and surprised him with the tickets and gifts. That’s Lopez (right) with Andres, moments after she surprised him with the tickets. Williams continues, “We sent the video of the newscast to Barbra’s people, completely unaware that they would take it, run with it and make Sgt. Sergio Lopez a part of her show at the American Airlines Arena in Miami on Monday night! They also upgraded his tickets to front row and included a meet and greet!”
Right before Streisand’s second song of the evening, a large screen inside the arena played a portion of the story about Lopez that aired on 7News. Lopez and his mother, Nora Lopez received a standing ovation from the audience inside the venue. Streisand (seen here in a screen grab) then paid tribute to Lopez, as she said, “Right down in the front row… Welcome, Sergio Lopez.” As a special bonus, Streisand’s concert was filmed and should be available soon on Netflix. Reflecting on their simple gesture of kindness for Sgt. Lopez, Williams added, “This is what it’s all about — local, connecting with listeners and making a difference in the lives of people!”
