Ann Arbor Radio: WQKL Radiothon Raises 1M Meals

(L-R) Martin Bandyke/Morning Host, Chris Ammel/Program Director, Kelly Brown/Evening Host, John Bommarito/Midday Host

Cumulus Media's WQKL 107.1 FM has announced it beat its original goal of providing 800,000 meals for the needy in the Twin Cities area during the holiday season, raising well over 1 million meals.

The station partnered with Food Gatherers and Kroger for its 28th Annual Rockin' for the Hungry, Washtenaw Country's largest food and fund drive to benefit Food Gatherers, the area's food rescue program and food bank.

During the six-day Rockin' campaign held from Nov. 29-Dec. 4, 2016, Food Gatherers staff, along with 100 volunteers and 107one on-air personalities, spent more than 60 hours at Ann Arbor-area Kroger stores accepting donations and raising awareness of the issue of hunger in the community.

“I am thrilled that for the second consecutive year we raised food and funds for more than one million meals,” said Eileen Spring, Food Gatherers President and CEO. “We are grateful for ann arbor’s 107one, Kroger, and our many sponsors for leading this effort. We are also thankful for everyone who gave to the campaign and helped us meet our goal.”

One in seven Washtenaw County residents faces hunger. Providing consistent access to food, and support toward financial stability can be critical for families facing poverty, food and funds raised during Rockin’ for the Hungry help ensure that families don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying vital bills.