KSBW Raises $500,000+ For Central Coast Food Banks

Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate KSBW Monterey-Salinas, Calif. (DMA 124), raised $528,400 in 24 hours via Project Community: A Day of Help and Hope. The fundraiser, to feed residents in need amid the Covid-19 crisis, is the largest for a single day in the station’s 66-year history.

In partnership with the Pebble Beach Co., the virtual telethon held throughout the day on April 20, raised $236,541 for the Second Harvest Food Bank-Santa Cruz, $238,374 for the Food Bank for Monterey County, and $53,485 for the Community Food Bank of San Benito.

“We called this ‘Project Community: A Day of Help & Hope’ because so many now need help just to put food on the table. Our viewers’ generosity provided that help, and that gives all of us, hope,” said Joseph W. Heston, president-GM of KSBW. “Local broadcasters have the unique ability to respond quickly and reach the entire community in a time of crisis. We are honored we can be of service to the Central Coast each day.”

Messages asking viewers to help were broadcast throughout the day on all three of KSBW’s channels: KSBW (NBC), Central Coast ABC and Estrella TV Costa Central. News anchors invited the community to help during each edition of KSBW Action News 8. All donations were made online through KSBW.com and through the KSBW News App.