PALM COAST, Fla. — Five hours. A $100,000 goal. And a chance to make Friday the 13th a lucky day for families across Flagler County.
David Ayres, president and general manager of Flagler Broadcasting, will kick off the fifth annual Million Dollar Food-A-Thon on Friday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on WNZF NewsRadio 94.9. The live fundraiser benefits Grace Community Food Pantry and Pastor Charles Silano’s work to feed local families as the holidays approach.
Here’s where the numbers get exciting. Through the pantry’s purchasing power, every dollar donated can buy about five dollars’ worth of food. A $10 gift can buy about $50 worth of groceries. A $100 gift can buy about $500 worth. If listeners reach Friday’s $100,000 goal, the pantry can put approximately $500,000 worth of food on local tables.
Previous Food-A-Thons have already helped provide more than $1 million worth of food. This year, the need has grown. According to Flagler Radio’s event figures, about 5,000 to 5,500 Flagler County families need food assistance each month, roughly 1,000 more than last year.
“Hunger may affect a neighbor, coworker or the family beside you at church,” the station’s on-air message reminds listeners. “One unexpected bill can change everything.”
For a family juggling rent, utilities and a car payment, groceries from the pantry can make it a little easier to cover those bills and still put dinner on the table. That’s what Ayres is asking local businesses, families and neighbors to help make possible when the microphones go live Friday morning.
“Flagler Radio is a relationship company,” the station’s opening message reads. “Today we’re putting those relationships to work to help local families put food on the table. It’s neighbors helping neighbors.”
Tune in and give. Listen to WNZF NewsRadio 94.9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Call or text 386-931-7085 to donate. Callers can ask for Dottie for help making a gift. To give online, follow the Grace Community Food Pantry donation link at FlaglerRadio.com.
