Broadcasters Foundation Prepares Relief for Hurricane Florence

The Broadcasters Foundation Emergency Grant Relief Program provides an expedited application process that is streamlined to deliver emergency funds as quickly as possible to qualifying individuals who work (or have worked) in broadcasting. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation Board of Directors elected to double the maximum amount of an individual emergency grant from $1,000 to $2,000. This increase is particularly significant when considering that last year more than $200,000 was awarded to individual victims of a rash of disasters that included Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, as well as wildfires and floods.

“For the second year in a row, we have seen an unprecedented increase in applications for emergency aid due to the devastation from natural disasters,” commented Dan Mason, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Additionally, more broadcasters are reaching out for monthly grants, as people live longer but do not always have the means to pay for life-sustaining medications and medical care. The Broadcasters Foundation is often the last refuge for these broadcasters whose lives have been severely affected by unforeseen circumstances. It is incumbent on us to help every broadcaster who qualifies, and we need the support of everyone in our industry to make that happen. We are grateful to the broadcasters, celebrities, and sponsors who came to the golf tournament and supported our mission.”

Celebrity golfers included: WCBS-TV’s Maurice Dubois, Otis Livingston, and Chris Wragge; WCBS-FM’s Scott Shannon; actress and philanthropist Rachel Grant; NBA All-Star Ray Allen and NBA Star Donny Marshall; 1980s Miracle on Ice Star Mike Eruzione; ESPN’s John Anderson and Anita Marks; NY Jets’ Greg Buttle; Voice of the NY Jets Bob Wischusen; and more.

Event Chair for 2018 was Tony Chiulli, Senior Vice President, Digital and Political Sales, NBC-Owned TV Stations and Telemundo Station Group.

Sponsors included: title sponsor Evercore Wealth Management, ABC Channel 7, CBS Television, Entercom/CBS Radio, NBC Owned TV Stations & Telemundo Station Group, Eileen & Jack Connors, Jr., ESPN Radio, Empire Merchants/Diageo Brands, Flexjet, Katz Media Group, Norman Knight Charitable Foundation, Nielsen, Pepe Auto Group, Putnam Investments, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and others.

The Lee Iacocca Villa Nicola in Tuscany, which was donated by Ned and Kate Hentz, pulled in an additional $20,000 in auction.

The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

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