WCCO listeners and sponsors once again stepped up in a big way Thursday, raising over $440,000 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during our 15th annual “Let’s Kick Hunger Day Radiothon." Presented by Lindus Construction, Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood, Compeer Financial and Cargill, the amount raised brought the overall fundraising total to over $4.2 million since inception.
“I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s hard work on this event," said Jeff Gonsales, Senior Vice President and Market Manager of Audacy Minneapolis. "Yet another great example of how local radio can truly help change lives! So grateful that WCCO can partner with Second Harvest Heartland and impact the community on such an amazing and rewarding day."
Listeners can continue to give to Second Harvest here.
The radiothon was conducted onsite at Second Harvest Heartland with WCCO's Vineeta Sawkar, Jordana Green, Adam Carter, Jason DeRusha and numerous other staff members participating in the 12-hour live broadcast. Speaking with staff and clients of Second Harvest Heartland, as well as current board members and other leaders in the community, everyone joined in the fight against hunger in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota.
“We are overwhelmed by and grateful for the support of WCCO listeners in our mission to end hunger in Minnesota,” said Second Harvest Heartland CEO, Alllison O’Toole. “I also want to thank the amazing partners we have at WCCO radio, and our sponsors from Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood, Lindus Construction, and Compeer Financial. The money raised on Let’s Kick Hunger Day goes a long way toward helping Minnesota families access the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
Interviews for the day included: Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O'Toole, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, Minnesota Twins President Dave St. Peter, Twins radio play-by-play voice Kris Atteberry, Chief Executive Office of the Minnesota United Shari Ballard, along with corporate partners Andy Lindus of Lindus Construction, Jeremy Mertes and Matt Meyer with Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood, Colleen May of Cargill, and Jase Wagner of Compeer Financial.
Second Harvest Heartland was created on October 1, 2001, when Second Harvest Great Minneapolis and Second Harvest St. Paul joined forces to bring together more than 44 years of combined history and experience to the fight against hunger. Second Harvest Heartland is among the nation’s largest, most effective hunger relief organizations.
830 WCCO’s 15th annual “Let’s Kick Hunger Day Radiothon” is a part of Audacy’s commitment to making a meaningful difference at scale. Along with "Let's Kick Hunger", WCCO also partners with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities for our annual "Hunger Mission Radiothon", and also partners with NMDP (formerly Be The Match) for an auction to support those with a blood cancer and needing a life-saving bone marrow transplant.