Filling the Basket: A Heartwarming Fundraiser for Kids' Food Basket

On a Thursday in August, the airwaves of 97.9 GRD in West Michigan sounded a little different. The usual commercials were gone, and the programming was focused on sharing stories of lives touched by Kids' Food Basket, a local nonprofit organization. This marked the inaugural "Fill The Basket" fundraiser, an idea that had been brewing for over four years and finally came to fruition in 2024.

Rallying the Community to Nourish Local Children

A Bigger Goal in Mind

The members of the radio show – Gregg "Free Beer" Daniels, Chris "Hot Wings" Michels, Steve, Kelly, and Maitlynn – along with Tommy Carroll and Janna, initially set a ,000 fundraising goal for themselves. However, after meeting with the Kids' Food Basket team and learning that ,000 is the cost to add another school to the program, they decided to aim higher. The mantra "Do It For The Kids" became the driving force behind their efforts.

Harnessing the Power of Community

Individuals, families, and companies across West Michigan responded to the call, donating generously to the cause. The radio team's previous experience with the "Do It For The Brick" campaign, where they successfully sold out a live show at GLC Live at 30 Monroe, had taught them the power of a catchy chant to rally support.

Exceeding Expectations

The generosity of the West Michigan community was overwhelming. By the end of the fundraiser, they had raised an astounding 9,942.90 for Kids' Food Basket and their mission to nourish the children in the region. This far exceeded the initial ,000 goal and even surpassed the ,000 needed to add another school to the program.

A Heartwarming Collaboration

The success of the "Fill The Basket" fundraiser was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the radio show team, the Kids' Food Basket organization, and the compassionate people of West Michigan. The commercial-free broadcast, facilitated by the team at Rowerdink Incorporated, Michigan's Largest AC Delco Distributor, allowed the station to focus solely on sharing the stories and raising funds for this important cause.

Lasting Impact

The "Fill The Basket" fundraiser not only raised a significant amount of money but also brought the community together to support a vital initiative. The funds raised will enable Kids' Food Basket to expand their reach and provide even more children with the nourishment they need to thrive. The heartwarming stories shared throughout the day served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that can be achieved when a community comes together for a common purpose.