Radio Cares Emergency Radiothon Raises $500,000 For Feeding America

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Radio Cares, the organization created in response to the hunger crisis in America during the COVID-19 pandemic, together with over 10,000 radio stations across the United States, raised $500,146 for Feeding America in its one-day Radio Cares: Feeding America Emergency Radiothon last Thursday (April 30.)

The nationwide broadcast event continued its fundraising effort through the weekend, drawing donations from all 50 states. The radiothon closed with a $20,000 donation from Scott and Sandi Borchetta and Big Machine Label Group, putting efforts over 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.

The initiative was developed and led by Ron Stone, President/CEO, Adams Radio Group, and Brian Philips, EVP, Content & Audience, Cumulus Media/Westwood One. The movement came together in less than three weeks.

Ron Stone, President & CEO, Adams Radio Group, 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 plus years, a nationwide radio event to raise money to help those who truly need our help. It is my sincere hope that this is the first of many annual events to come.”

“For us, it is 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,” said Brian Philips, EVP, Content & Audience, Cumulus Media/Westwood One. “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.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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