WCCO listeners and sponsors once again stepped up in a big way on Tuesday, raising a record-shattering $713,000 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during our 17th annual “End Hunger Together Radiothon." That beats the previous high raised by nearly $150,000, set in 2021.
Presented by Lindus Construction, Lexus of Wayzata and Maplewood and Compeer Financial, with additional support from Linn Companies, the amount raised brought the overall fundraising total to over $5 million since inception.
"All I can say is...WOW. This record-breaking result belongs to our fans and sponsors; they didn’t just meet the moment — they transcended it — and the impact will be felt by thousands of neighbors who need it most" said WCCO Brand Manager Brad Lane. "Once again this illustrates what’s possible when a community is galvanized by compassion and purpose. We’re incredibly proud to partner with Second Harvest Heartland and honored to use 'CCO Radio’s legacy platform to help turn generosity into real, measurable impact for families across Minnesota.”
The numbers and background from Second Harvest are stark. Many Minnesotans can’t afford their lives right now, with costs for housing, energy, and healthcare soaring, household food budgets are among the first things to be cut. Second Harvest notes that grocery prices are up almost 30% in just the last five years, making it hard for families to keep food on the table.
Minnesotans are also dealing with cuts to federal programs like SNAP, and that means even more visitors to food shelves. Second Harvest Heartland and the entire hunger-relief system are working hard to meet the moment, and Second Harvest supplies an incredible 81% of all the food distributed in food banks across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
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.
“We are incredibly grateful for our generous community and the generous listeners of WCCO Radio. At a time when more and more of our neighbors are turning to the hunger-relief network for support, every dollar truly makes a difference," said Sarah Moberg, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Heartland.
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.
“Year after year our fans open up their hearts to those in need,” added Lane. “WCCO’s long-standing partnership with Second Harvest Heartland means so much to us and to so many people who are helped by this seminal event.”
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 17th annual “End Hunger Together” 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 blood cancer and needing a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
