Broadcasters Foundation Sets Giving Campaign

The Broadcasters Foundation of America, the charity that provides aid to broadcasters, has launched its Holiday Giving Campaign to provide more aid to colleagues in acute financial need.

Often a last refuge, the Broadcasters Foundation has helped families remain in their homes, and made it possible for retirees to afford life-sustaining medications.  This year, the foundation will grant more than $675,000 in assistance — a 35% increase over last year and more requests for aid arrive every day.

“Our challenge is that we are distributing grants at a faster pace than we are amassing donations,” noted Jim Thompson, the foundation’s president. “We need every broadcaster to help us close that gap so that we can continue to help those who need us the most.”

“The sole purpose of the Broadcasters Foundation is to provide financial relief to broadcasters in need,” observed Phil Lombardo, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Through the generous support of individuals and corporations in our industry, we can maintain the ability to help colleagues whose lives have been devastated by unthinkable circumstances.  I ask every broadcaster to consider making a donation or becoming a member.”

Over the past 60 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided millions of dollars in aid to hundreds of broadcasters who lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease, or unforeseen family tragedy.

Current recipients include the family of a 20-year broadcast veteran who died of a sudden massive stroke, leaving two children and a wife who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis; an elderly couple who have outlived their savings and are saddled with enormous medical costs; and a man who in the prime of his life and at the peak of his career became paralyzed by a tragic accident that has left him confined to a wheel chair.

Individual membership is $150.  Donations also can be made as a personal gift to the Guardian Fund, the Stu Olds Memorial Fund and the Rick Buckley Memorial Fund.  Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative.

To make a donation, please visit www.broadcastersfounation.org, or call 212-373-8250.