BFA Launches Annual Holiday Giving Campaign

The Broadcasters Foundation of America, the nationwide charity that provides aid to broadcasters in acute need, has launched its 2013 Holiday Giving Campaign.

The campaign asks broadcasters to spread the word about the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to those who may need its assistance, and encourages donations and memberships at www.broadcastersfoundation.org or by calling 212-373-8250.

Often a last refuge, the Broadcasters Foundation has helped broadcasters and their families remain in their homes and made it possible for retirees to afford life-sustaining medications.  The Broadcasters Foundation also has provided one-time emergency grants, including in the aftermath of natural catastrophes such as Hurricane Sandy.

“The goal of the foundation’s board of directors is that no broadcaster’s cry for help should ever go unanswered,” said Phil Lombardo, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Requests for aid have more than doubled over the past few years and more come in every day. Next year, we will disburse over $900,000 in financial assistance, a 100% increase from five years ago.”

Jim Thompson, the foundation’s president, added: “The pace of incoming donations is lagging behind the requests for aid.  Our grant recipients are our colleagues — individuals who we have worked with and whose lives have been devastated by unthinkable circumstances. Aid from the Broadcasters Foundation can be life-saving, in many cases. I ask every broadcaster to consider making a donation or becoming a member.”

Over the past 65 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to hundreds of broadcasters who lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease, or unforeseen family tragedy.