Colorado Broadcasters Raise Over $1.1 Million for Flood Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                

September 19, 2013                                                                        

DENVER – Yesterday Colorado’s Flood Relief Fundraiser was nothing short of amazing, with Colorado radio and television broadcasters joining forces for one day to raise funds for the victims of last week’s floods.

Colorado’s broadcast audiences came forward and donated a total of $1,101,044.00 to the American Red Cross, Food Bank of Larimer County, Weld County Food Bank and Community Food Share serving Boulder and Broomfield County.

“It never ceases to amaze me the generous spirit of the Colorado people and its times like these that our western heritage really comes through – and we metaphorically circle the wagons,” said Gino Greco, CEO of the American Red Cross of Colorado.  “With live and local coverage and support of the broadcast community, we were able to generate significant support for the American Red Cross response to this disaster.”

Jim Baldwin, CEO of Community Food Share stated, “The enormity of the devastation caused by the unprecedented flooding along the Front Range was matched a hundredfold by the generous support of our communities in yesterday’s telethon.  On behalf of Community Food Share, Food Bank for Larimer County, and Weld Food Bank, we are very grateful to the donors who responded so quickly and to all who were involved in making this fundraiser happen.  We are all aware that recovery is just beginning.  Dollars raised for the three food banks will help us to address immediate, emergency needs as well as those in the weeks and months to come.”

Justin Sasso, President & CEO of the Colorado Broadcasters Association added, “Broadcasters serve their communities first.  Colorado radio and television provided wall-to-wall coverage of this tragedy, communicating ways to get to safety and access lifesaving resources.  Before the flood waters had fully receded broadcasters teamed together again and used the power of live, local radio and television to drive a fundraiser, yielding an unprecedented donation total, well beyond our expectations.  You can bet that broadcasters will be there as these communities rebuild and get back to business as usual.  The level at which broadcasters connect with their audience is unparalleled.”

Funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross Disaster and Flood Relief efforts in Colorado and Community Food Share, which will equally split donations between Food Bank of Larimer County, Weld County Food Bank and Community Food Share serving Boulder County.