WCCO Radio's Let's Kick Hunger Day Radiothon Raises in Excess of $190,000

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The first-ever WCCO Radio Let's Kick Hunger Day Radiothon to benefit Taste of the NFL and Second Harvest Heartland raised in excess of $190,000, including pledges from 1,111 Hunger Heroes.  Taste of the NFL is a local organization that raises awareness and funds for hunger relief organizations nationally, and Second Harvest Heartland, is the upper Midwest's largest hunger relief organization.

"Prior to the event, the goal was 830 donors to commit to becoming a Hunger Hero and make a contribution of $120 or more," said Wayne Kostroski, founder and executive director of Taste of the NFL. "Because of the tremendous support for Let's Kick Hunger Day from the community, local companies, the Governor's office and WCCO Radio, we surpassed our goal.  We were able to secure a significant donation and 100 percent of net proceeds from the radiothon will go directly to food banks."  

"WCCO radio has a long history of community service in the state of Minnesota," said Mick Anselmo, Senior Vice President, Market Manager of CBS Radio Minneapolis. "Our decision to build an event that addresses the real need of hunger was important and relevant in our community and around the country. Partnering with the Taste of the NFL and Second Harvest Heartland as the recipients of our Radiothon was an easy decision for WCCO radio and CBS Minneapolis. We look forward to continuing to support the fight against hunger."

Second Harvest Heartland will receive 50 percent of the net proceeds. The remaining 50 percent will be donated to Taste of the NFL-associated food banks in the 31 NFL markets.

"We are always humbled by the outpouring of community support in the ongoing fight to end hunger," said Rob Zeaske, executive director of Second Harvest Heartland. "Because of the incredible generosity of individuals and organizations alike, the radiothon was a tremendous success for the countless men, women and children here in the Heartland and across the country who struggle to put enough food on the table. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in Let's Kick Hunger Day."

Let's Kick Hunger Day was made possible by WCCO Radio, Taste of the NFL and Second Harvest Heartland.  Sponsored by local food companies Cargill, General Mills and Land O'Lakes, the 13-hour WCCO Radio Let's Kick Hunger Day Radiothon took place on Friday, Jan. 8 at Mall of America in the Best Buy® Rotunda where celebrity guests Chef Bobby Flay, Allison Sweeney, Randall McDaniel, Matt Birk, Matt Blair and 2009 Miss America Katie Stam participated in the donation drive. Other local companies that joined the fight against hunger and made this radiothon possible include, Cub Foods, By the Yard, Vanguard Travel, Mall of America and News Radio 830 WCCO.

Donations can still be made at www.LetsKickHungerDay.com.

About WCCO Radio

WCCO Radio has a storied history of community service in the state of Minnesota and since its inception is a respected and important part of the fabric of life in Minnesota.  WCCO Radio is dedicated to helping our hometown community by assisting in the fight against hunger.  Through community partnerships and our listener's generosity WCCO Radio has been able to raise millions of dollars to help aid in the fight against hunger.  For more information, visit www.wccoradio.com.

About Taste of the NFL

Hunger Related Events (HRE) is a 501 c 3 that serves as the governing body of the Taste of the NFL and exists to raise awareness and dollars for hunger relief organizations involved in tackling hunger in America. Taste of the NFL addresses the needs of the hungry and homeless by raising awareness and money through special events and programs. Founded in 1992, the Minneapolis-based Taste of the NFL has distributed more than $8 million to local and national food banks across the country. For more information, visit www.TasteoftheNFL.com.

About Second Harvest Heartland

Second Harvest Heartland is the Upper Midwest's largest hunger-relief organization, with a mission of ending hunger through community partnerships. A record 50 million pounds of grocery products were distributed in 2009 to hungry seniors, families and children through nearly 1,000 non-profit member agencies and programs, including food shelves, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, faith-based organizations, and children's after-school programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For each $1 donated, Second Harvest Heartland can distribute more than $9 worth of donated grocery products for those in need. For more information, visit www.2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.

About General Mills

General Mills has worked with Feeding America to alleviate hunger for more than 30 years and in the past decade, General Mills product donations have exceeded $168 million dollars. For more information on how General Mills nourishes communities visit: www.generalmills.com/foundation.

About Cargill

Cargill has contributed more than $27 million in the past three years to help improve people's nutrition and health. Working with international organizations like the World Food Programme, Cargill has supported nutrition, health and school feeding programs for more than 50,000 children in Indonesia and Nicaragua. Closer to home, Cargill's donation of nearly $2.5 million to Feeding America and its affiliates includes more than 19 million pounds of fresh produce. For more information visit: www.cargill.com/corporate-responsibility.

About Land O'Lakes

Land O'Lakes recently launched Feeding Our Communities to help alleviate hunger locally, nationally and internationally. Land O'Lakes also has pledged up to $1 million for hunger programs in rural communities, an area often overlooked. A new initiative – "First Run" – is delivering an additional truckload – approximately 20 tons – of fresh products each month to hunger relief programs. For more information, visit: www.landolakesinc.com.

SOURCE Taste of the NFL