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Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Detroit Radio: 9th Annual WJR SAY Radiothon Raises Record $1,519,041


CUMULUS MEDIA announces that WJR Detroit radio PM Drive host, author and writer Mitch Albom’s 9th Annual Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon hit a new fundraising record this year, raising $1,519,041 for Detroit charities on Thursday, December 10th. The 15-hour radiothon, hosted by Albom and his WJR on-air partner, Ken Brown, was broadcast on WJR from 6am-9pm and streamed live online from Somerset North’s Grand Court.

This year’s Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon featured more guests than ever before, including: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Mike Tirico, Jane Pauley, Matthew Stafford, Paul Stanley, Katie Couric, Tim Allen, Dr. Phil, Dave Coulier, J.K. Simmons, Lily Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh, Hoda Kotb, Anderson Cooper, Kirk Cousins, Tom Izzo, and dozens of others.

Albom challenged listeners to break the $1 million mark by 7pm, and they met the challenge, raising $1.019 million by that time. The radiothon was capped by the biggest donation of the day, as Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores made a $350,000 gift, including $100,000 to make new programs in the city to benefit Detroit children. The nearly $1.52 million raised in this year’s virtual Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon topped last year’s radiothon, which raised $1.36 million. 


"I was stunned by the outpouring of kindness and generosity this year," Albom said. "We know COVID-19 left so many of us challenged. But it also seems to have many, many more empathetic to the plight of others - particularly those who were already challenged by economic, health or housing difficulties. This year's total speaks to the incredible spirit of the Michigan community."

Steve Finateri, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit, added: “I’m not surprised by the outpouring of generosity and support. As a media titan and host of WJR’s afternoon drive for over 25 years, Mitch has an incredible connection with Michiganders. No one in the media arena works harder to serve the neediest in our community. We are all lucky to have him.”

Since its first broadcast in 2012, the annual Mitch Albom SAY Detroit Radiothon has raised over $8 million to help the poor, the homeless, families without homes, children without medical care, students hoping to reach the college of their dreams and veterans who have hit hard times. One hundred percent of all funds raised go directly to the needy through SAY (Super All Year) Detroit, an umbrella 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds programs including: the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, the SAY Play Center, Working Homes/Working Families, the Dream Scholars, and several other local charitable efforts that serve the area’s neediest and work towards a revitalized Detroit.

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