WCCO listeners and sponsors once again stepped up in a big way Thursday, raising over $427,000 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during our 16th annual “End Hunger Together Radiothon." Presented by Lindus Construction, Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood and Compeer Financial, the amount raised brought the overall fundraising total to over $4.5 million since inception.
"Every donation helps make a real difference, and we are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support to help Second Harvest Heartland 'Make Hunger History.' Because of the incredible generosity from our fans and partners, this year's radiothon has once again illustrated the power and reach of WCCO Radio in the community. Together, we are turning compassion into action and having a lasting impact," says WCCO Brand Manager Brad Lane.
Just this past week, Second Harvest Heartland released the results of its recent Statewide Hunger Study, showing that one in five Minnesota households are experiencing food insecurity and cannot afford the food they need. Listeners can continue to give to Second Harvest here.
The radiothon was conducted onsite at Second Harvest Heartland's warehouse in Brooklyn Park, with WCCO's Vineeta Sawkar, Jordana Green, Adam Carter, Chad Hartman, 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.
"WCCO listeners always show up for the state of Minnesota," said Second Harvest Heartland CEO, Allison O’Toole. "At a time when one in five families are living with food insecurity, we need everyone at the table to turn the tide. Second Harvest Heartland is grateful for our incredible partners at WCCO Radio and our sponsors from Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood, Lindus Construction, and Compeer Financial. The dollars raised today will have an immediate impact on our goal to cut hunger in half for all of Minnesota.”
Interviews for the day included: Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O'Toole, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch who is a board member for Second Harvest, Chief Executive Office of the Minnesota United Shari Ballard, along with corporate partners Lindus Construction, Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood and 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 16th annual “Let’s Kick Hunger Day Radiothon” (formerly Let's Kick Hunger Day) is a part of Audacy’s commitment to making a meaningful difference at scale. Along with "End Hunger Together", 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.