Radio stations turned in their final collections this week, officially wrapping up Radio Ink‘s 2023 Season of Giving Tally. In the week before Christmas, the total climbed to $24.72 million, besting 2021’s finale – but did radio beat 2020’s $28.5m in the past seven days?
Beasley Media Group Tampa’s WiLD 94.1 (WLLD) Freak Show Personality and Program Director Orlando Davis collected 717 bicycles, $67,641 in cash and gift card donations, and filled 3 pods with toys during his annual Toy Drive Tower. To support The Children’s Home Network, Davis stationed himself on a specially constructed platform that was raised 30 feet above the ground.
“It’s been 12 years and the showing of love for these children and families blows my mind,” said Davis. “It’s a huge undertaking by our staff and team but the reward is so worth it when we see families excited to their core about sharing.”
At the other corner of the country, Saga Communications’ 92.9 KISM hosted its annual “Vehicle for a Vet,” aimed at honoring local military veterans in the Pacific Northwest. Morning hosts Brad & John presented a restored 1999 Ford F150 to Ron Sytsma, a two-tour Vietnam Marine veteran.
KISM Program Director Scott Less said, “Veterans are an integral part of our audience and the community. Any opportunity to give back and show appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms is an honor for the station, and with additional help from local businesses who donated their time and services, this really is an amazing gift for such a worthy cause.
Finally, Cox Media Group’s B98.5 (WSB-FM) in Atlanta hosted its 7th annual Tad, Drex & Kara’s Merry Little Christmas, bringing joy to 20 local families. Recognizing families facing hardships such as medical debt, loss of loved ones, and unsafe living conditions, B98.5 listeners successfully fulfilled nearly 400 gift requests. Each family also received a $100 Publix gift card and a box of essential household items, all hand-delivered by the B98.5 team.
While it was close, Radio Ink‘s 2023 Season of Giving Tally finished just a hair short of 2020 at a total Tally of $28.32 million, raising $3.6 million in the final week. Thank you for helping us show how radio matters to local communities! We look forward to 2024’s Tally and to hopefully breaking 2019’s all-time record of $31.2 million.
To see every story and contribution from 2023’s Radio Ink’s Season of Giving Tally, click here.
