Radiothon Raises over $250K to Support Local Businesses

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 21, 2020 | 12:11pm CT

K101 AM Show hosts Max Hodgdon (left) and Rick Freitag (right)

In an effort to soften the impact of COVID-19, Alpha Media/Luverne, MN, in a joint effort with the local chamber of commerce, held a Radiothon on Saturday morning, May 16 from 8-noon on K101 and KQAD. As part of the campaign, the local partners created the "Share the Luv Fund" to kick in extra money for gift card shoppers. The #RockSolid campaign encouraged people to buy gift cards for local businesses and for every $100 spent the Share the Luv Fund would contribute an additional $25.

Luverne Chamber Director, Jan Wildung Lanphere said, "It's a way to drive people to our local businesses. I don't want people shopping on Amazon or in Sioux Falls. I want them to shop here." She added, "Special thanks to our partners who made this possible - K101 & KQAD and the Rock County Star Herald and Announcer. And it wouldn't have happened without the support of our generous sponsors."

At the end of the morning, the Rock Solid campaign raised $253,000 which will directly benefit businesses in Rock County. Rock County, MN has a total population of 9,500 residents with over 170 businesses that participated in the Radiothon. As an indication of its success, the Radiothon sold out of gift cards in four hours vs the two-day effort that was originally planned.

Alpha Media General Manager, Joel Vis remarked, "The power of local radio is amazing, and the listeners and people of our community are equally amazing. What a great effort by everyone involved supporting a great cause during his difficult time."