CBS Media’s Chicago cluster is dedicating a significant amount of its programming to a live radio- and telethon today in support of its local American Red Cross chapter to raise money and awareness for victims of home fires.
The CBS Chicago cluster includes radio, TV and online platforms.
According to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, the biggest threat to local families is not severe weather but fires. The Red Cross says each year it provides food, shelter and comfort to 1,400 local families — an average of three to four every day — whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by flames.
CBS TV-2 is promoting the relief effort with cut-ins and during regularly scheduled newscasts. WJMK(FM) and WBBM(FM) are conducting live remotes from the site. WBBM(AM), WUSN(FM), WSCR(AM), and WXRT(FM) are supporting the fundraising effort.
The benefit began at 6 a.m., goes until 7 p.m. Volunteers from the Red Cross and CBS employees are accepting donations from a phone bank set up inside the CBS 2 Broadcast Center lobby (22 West Washington), at the corner of Washington and Dearborn Streets. Listeners and viewers may also contribute online or call a CBS Chicago Cares: Red Cross Disaster Relief toll free number at (855) 350-2900. (See a promotional banner, bottom.)
“During this season of Thanksgiving, we are proud to continue our tradition of hosting our Day of Giving and help our Red Cross continue its mission of providing shelter and support to local families in need,” says CBS TV-2 Chicago President/GM Marty Wilke.
CBS Chicago and the local Red Cross are also distributing free smoke alarms today from a local firehouse. “We know that smoke alarms cut the risk of death from fire in half,” says CBS Radio Chicago SVP/Market Manager Rod Zimmerman. “On Tuesday, we will educate all of our listeners on what it takes to keep homes safe from fires.”
