Surpassing Initial Goal of $30,000
Austin Radio Network Thank You Central Texas Video: youtu.be/hG61WsT_b8I
(Austin, TX) - The Horn, KOKE-FM and 105.3 The Bat, raised more than $270,000 in their “Buy a Box” campaign benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank. The week-long drive peaked the morning of April 15 with Bucky Godbolt of The Horn and Bob Cole from KOKE-FM simulcasting across all stations putting out the plea.
Guests and supporters included University of Texas head football Coach Tom Herman, University of Texas head men’s basketball Coach Shaka Smart, University of Texas head baseball Coach David Pierce, Roy Spence of GSD&M and UT “Minister of Culture” Matthew McConaughey.
The “Buy a Box” campaign urges listeners to donate $30 for a 28-lb emergency food box containing 23 meals consisting of proteins, dairy, fruits, and vegetables for those in need in Central Texas.
“Even though we don’t see our listeners and our clients face to face all the time, they are like good friends. They show up when there is a need,” says Lise Hudson, General Manager of Austin Radio Network. “We have always known how loyal and giving they are, but I would have never imagined their generosity for their fellow Central Texans would exceed $270,000! It is hard to find the right words to express our gratitude, how do you thank friends for tuning in daily and providing over 208,500 meals to The Central Texas Food Bank? We cherish their spirit.”
The drive also reinforced the importance and impact local radio has during times of uncertainty. Austin Radio Network, who has not been immune to the economic perils facing the broadcast industry, continues the commitment to providing live and local programming.
“A friendly competitor asked me what we were doing because people are in their homes and not in their cars,” continues Hudson. “The “Buy a Box” campaign proved listener engagement is not down. Over $270,000 was raised in less than 5 days. Can you say “Alexa turn on KOKE-FM, THE HORN, THE BAT”? We have loyal listeners who are seeking normalcy. They expect us to keep entertaining them.”
The original objective of funding a single distribution of 1000 boxes (or $30,000) was quickly exceeded in the first 15 minutes. From there, the goal was raised $10,000 at a time - until now, which places the total of paid donations in excess of $270,000.
Central Texas Food Bank has seen over a 200% demand increase from February to March in Travis County alone. This has translated to more than 7,000 additional households that have not turned to CTFB before. The Food Bank has converted their operation to emergency food boxes that are given out in drive-through or drop-and-grab settings to maximize social distancing.
Donations are being accepted at centraltexasfoodbank.org/box or by texting the word FOOD to 512-451-KOKE.
###
(About KOKE-FM) - - KOKE-FM is Austin's home for Texas country and the University of Texas Longhorn Athletics broadcast partner. KOKE-FM, an original country music Central Texas station in the 1970’s was brought back to life in 2012 as a locally owned & operated country alternative. KOKE-FM has grown from one station and one frequency, to simulcasting on two frequencies, expanding the signal to homes through the Hill Country and beyond. KOKE-FM prides itself on promoting and supporting Texas and regional artists and cultivating the classics. KOKE-FM is a sister station of sports talk The Horn 104.9-FM // 101.9-FM // AM-1260, and Classic Hits 105.3 The Bat.
Twitter: @KOKEFMAUSTIN Instagram: @kokefm Facebook: KOKE-FM Austin
(About KTXX/The Horn) - - The Horn Austin, KTXX 104.9-FM/101.9-FM/1260-AM, is the official flagship station of the University of Texas Athletics. The Horn features live and local programming Monday – Sunday and is the Austin affiliate of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. The Horn is also home to the Austin Radio High School Sports Network, led by Executive Sports Director Craig Way, expanding the coverage of local high school football and basketball throughout Central Texas.
Twitter: @TheHornATX Instagram: @thehornatx Facebook: 104.9 The Horn
(About The Central Texas Food Bank)
The mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of about 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 50,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on the Food Bank and its programs, visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.
