WhyHunger announced today that their annual Hungerthon campaign raised a record-breaking $1.1 million this year for the fight against hunger and poverty. Partnering with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CBS Radio New York, Cumulus New York and iHeartMedia, funds were raised through a coordinated month long effort including radio broadcasts, merchandise, a live radiothon, social media activation and an extensive celebrity-driven online auction. WhyHunger staff, celebrity ambassadors and community-based partners also educated listeners and raised awareness about the important issues of hunger and poverty by participating in over 30 substantive radio interviews.
“This record-breaking Hungerthon is an incredible testament to the 31-year history of this important campaign and will fuel the work of WhyHunger and our community-based partners across the U.S. towards ending hunger and building social justice,” said WhyHunger’s executive director Noreen Springstead. “Our community of supporters, radio listeners, artists and celebrity partners stepped up to join WhyHunger in the critical work of building a just food system that upholds everyone’s right to nutritious food and we cannot thank them enough!”
Funds raised are invested in long-term community-based solutions that help people in need in communities across America. By resourcing, connecting and supporting the grassroots leaders who are nourishing our nation and transforming our food system, WhyHunger is working to create a powerful, vital collective to drive change and strike at the root causes of hunger, poverty and injustice.
With over 150 auction items and experience packages hosted on charitybuzz.com, this year’s top items included:
- Bruce Springsteen Autographed 1952 Fender Reissue Telecaster Guitar
- BB King Autographed Lucille Guitar
- 2 Tickets to Saturday Night Live & Backstage Tour with Director Don Roy King
- Fender Guitar Signed By Green Day
- Guest DJ on SiriusXM’s Big 80s on 8
- Join Hoda Kotb on The Hoda Show on SiriusXM Today Show Radio
- Lunch with Charles Osgood
- Tickets to the Season Finale of Survivor
- Ultimate Mets Package
- Visit WFAN Studio in NYC to Watch Mike Francesa Broadcast Live
2016 Hungerthon Ambassadors included singer/songwriter and actress Emily Kinney, singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins and the rock band Switchfoot, who used their platforms to help raise awareness about the campaign and spur their fans into action. Additionally, WhyHunger’s long-time board member and Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Tom Chapin joined the team at CBS Radio New York to support a live radiothon on Nov 22nd. Special thanks goes to the thousands of individual donors who contributed, over 100 volunteers who gave their time and talents, our incredible radio partners; SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CBS Radio New York, Cumulus New York and iHeartMedia, and our corporate sponsor PSS Distribution Services for their support.
You can still get involved at Hungerthon.org through the end of the year and donations are accepted year round at WhyHunger.org.
