The Broadcasters Foundation of America recently launched its “Holiday Giving Campaign.” The annual campaign is designed to provide financial aid for broadcast colleagues in need.
The foundation has helped many of its own in numerous ways: helping keep families in their homes and enabling retirees to afford life-sustaining medications. Millions of dollars have been donated over the program’s 60 year lifetime, aiding hundreds of broadcasters who lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen family tragedy.
Total grants for 2011 are projected to reach $675,000, a 35% increase over last year.
The problem, according to Broadcasters Foundation President Jim Thompson, is meeting demand. Grants are sent out at a rate faster than donations come in. “We need every broadcaster to help us close that gap so that we can continue to help those who need us the most,” he said in a press release.
Membership to the Foundation is $150 per year. Donations can also be made in the form of a personal gift to the Guardian Fund, the Stu Olds Memorial Fund or the Rick Buckley Memorial Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative.
Donations can be made online or by calling 212-373-8250.
