Radio Cares Raises $500K For Feeding America
• Radio Cares, the charitable organization created in response to the hunger crisis in America spawned by COVID-19 pandemic, announced that together with over 10,000 radio stations across the U.S., raised $500,146 for Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in America and its 200-member network of local food banks across the U.S. during the Radio Cares: Feeding America Emergency Radiothon, which ran all day Thursday, April 30. The fundraising effort ran through the weekend, drawing donations from all 50 states.
The Radiothon closed out with a major $20,000 donation from Scott and Sandi Borchetta and Big Machine Label Group, pushing the amount past the half-million dollar mark of total funds raised. All funds raised go directly to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund and will provide five million meals for Americans living with hunger.
This charitable initiative was developed and led by Ron Stone, President & CEO of Adams Radio Group, and Brian Philips, EVP, Content & Audience, Cumulus Media/Westwood One and came together in less than three weeks. Stone said, “I will be forever grateful to every broadcaster that made the decision to participate in this historic Radiothon. Together we accomplished something that had never been done before in our 100+ years — a nationwide radio event to raise money to help those who truly need our help. It’s my sincere hope that this is the first of many annual events to come.” Philips remarked, “For us, it’s impressive that this money is the sum of so many smaller individual contributions; sacrifices from determined people who made up a democracy of giving, at a time when money is tight.” He added, “Listeners answered the call from their favorite stations, large and small, unified by the cause of American hunger. Our listeners represent the most generous cross-section of America. There exists a bond among them that no crisis can break. Cumulus is always proud when what we do moves people.”
Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine Label Group, commented, “All executives and artists at the Big Machine Label Group have had a longstanding relationship with Feeding America and we’ve led programs that have sent more than 50 million meals to Feeding America food banks. Arguably, now more than ever, they need our support and we’re proud to answer the call.”
For a list of stations and companies that participated in the Radio Cares: Feeding America Emergency Radiothon, please visit radiocares.org. Major sponsors and organizers of the Radio Cares: Feeding America Emergency Radiothon include: Benztown, Vipology, Gen Media Partners, Marketron, McVay Media, LeadsRX and Dollinger Strategic Communications.
