CRS Presents 2012 Humanitarian Awards

The CRS 2012 Humanitarian Awards were distributed this morning (Feb. 22) by CRS President Mike Culotta and Radio Ink’s Lois Chooljian immediately following the CRS Keynote Address. Humanitarian awards are presented for notable public service initiatives that improve the quality of life for the communities they serve.

Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney received the previously announced Artist Humanitarian Award for their exceptional humanitarian efforts. The Trio donated $3 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in 2010 and currently serve as celebrity spokespersons for the national suicide prevention organization, The Jason Foundation, and have been members of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet for the past seven years.

“It’s a little uncomfortable to be recognized for something we feel we should be doing,” remarked DeMarcus after the band received their award on stage. “We have been so blessed with an amazing career, to pay the blessings forward seemed the most natural thing to do.”

Small Market Winner: 106.9 KMOK/Lewiston, ID was instrumental in local humanitarian efforts in 2011, including National Night Out Against Crime, Pet of the Week, Lewis Clark Animal Shelter’s Dog Swim, Coats for the Cold, Annual Life Safety Day, United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Earth Day, Jackson Baldwin Foundation, Jog for Jugs, Wounded Warriors Project and Cruising to Clarkston.

Medium Market Winner: 107.7 WIVK/Knoxville, TN contributed to fundraising efforts helping raise more than $12.9 million in 2011. Campaigns included the HonorAir Radiothon, Voices from the Front, Coats for the Cold, Stuff the Bus, a Susan G. Komen benefit concert and the Teddy Bear Round Up, Real Steel movie premiere, Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, Fantasy of Trees for Children’s Hospital, Great Rubber Duck Race for Boys & Girls’ Club, ADA Step Out Walk and Knoxville Zoo.

Large Market Winner: 97.1 WLHK/Indianapolis, IND continued support for Habitat For Humanity in 2011 with a five bedroom house build at the Indiana State Fair, hosted a Santa’s Secret Star benefit concert for the Salvation Army, debuted its Christmas Angel Cheri’s Chores program, partnered with the Colts for the Big Blue Drive-Through for tornado relief and was instrumental in efforts supporting the victims at the Indiana State Fair tragedy.