Two major radio markets delivered significant financial relief to local nonprofits this week, with Houston and St. Louis stations raising nearly $78,000 combined through high-profile radiothons. These fundraisers demonstrate the continued capacity of local radio to mobilize listeners for urgent community needs, from food insecurity to pediatric medical support, while reinforcing the business value of live, local broadcasting for station owners and advertisers.
Houston Food Bank Receives $24K Boost from SportsRadio 610
SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM) in Houston raised more than $24,000 for the Houston Food Bank during its second annual “Reggie and Ron Radiothon” on July 3. The event, hosted by “The Drive with Stoerner and Hughley,” generated enough capital to provide over 72,000 meals for food-insecure families across the Houston area. Brand Manager Parker Hillis credited the station’s listener base for rallying behind the cause, while Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene noted the partnership is critical as more Texas families face food insecurity. The broadcast featured station staff, “Mix 96.5” (KHMX) personality Jessie Watt, and other special guests to drive donations during the 12-hour event.
St. Louis Point Station Hits $700K Total for Ronald McDonald House
In St. Louis, alternative/modern rock station “105.7 The Point” (KPNT) raised $53,345 during Donny Fandango’s “28-Hour Radiothon” on July 9-10. The fundraiser benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, pushing the station’s cumulative total for the organization to more than $700,000. This long-term support aids families of seriously ill children receiving medical care in the region. Hubbard Radio St. Louis Market President John S. Kijowski stated the event exemplifies the company’s commitment to community service and live local broadcasting, calling it a powerful example of how radio brings listeners and advertisers together for a common cause. Host Fandango expressed gratitude for listeners who consistently step up to support the charity annually.
Cumulus Media Launches Artist Campaign for Cage The Elephant
Beyond charitable fundraising, Cumulus Media’s “Your Music Plus” initiative is driving new music exposure for Cage The Elephant. The label and publisher-backed campaign features the band’s “Beaches in Tennessee” across mainstream rock and alternative stations for eight weeks. The feature includes exclusive segments with frontman Matt Schultz, who discusses the song’s personal inspiration regarding his recovery from a mental health crisis. Cumulus Media VP of Music Partnerships Greg Frey highlighted the combination of new music and candid storytelling as a compelling experience for listeners, reinforcing the value of artist interviews paired with new releases across multiple formats.
Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting in Denver is also preparing for its 21st annual “Live at the Vineyards” fundraiser on August 15, featuring the Etienne Charles Creole Orchestra. Meanwhile, Fort Myers Broadcasting Company surrendered the license for WBCN (770) in Fort Myers following its acquisition of the station earlier this year as part of a purchase of Cumulus Media’s Fort Myers assets. The call letters remain historically associated with the legendary Boston rocker.
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