On March 18, Veterans Count had anticipated its fifth and largest radiothon to date — and then COVID-19 rolled into town.
Management made the difficult decision to cancel the radiothon and make new plans for a contactless, responsibly hosted event, which is now planned for May 28 on Newsradio WGAN.
“This is one of our largest fundraisers of the year,” said Easterseals Development Director Joseph Reagan. “Canceling the radiothon was the responsible choice, but a tough one, knowing that the demand would increase, but we wouldn’t have the fundraising dollars to back up the influx. Our veterans and military families need us now more than ever.”
The fifth Easterseals Radio Thon in Maine will be hosted on Portland Radio Group’s WGAN Newsradio (AM 560 and FM 98.5). Starting at 6 a.m., listeners will be asked to call and pledge their support.
“This crisis is hitting everyone hard,” said Reagan. “But for our veterans who were already teetering on the edge of homelessness, or those who were living paycheck to paycheck and no longer have a job- the impact is devastating. We want to make sure no one goes without crucial services and can get the support they need and deserve.”
Guests and guest hosts during the Radio Thon include an impressive lineup, as well as a few surprises. Changes to the event to make it contactless and COVID-safe include relocating the phone bank to a smaller team of Easterseals staff and radio guests will call in to the radio station.
The donation hotline number will be: 1-844-650-VETS(8387).
All of the money raised remains in Maine to help Maine’s military families. The mission of Veterans Count is to provide critical and timely financial assistance and services when no other resource is available to veterans, service members and their families, to ensure their dignity, health and overall well-being.
