Serving the public interest is part of a broadcaster’s DNA. It is what we do. Congratulations to the Long Island stations for their outstanding public service efforts. The stations were recognized at a recent luncheon at the Blackstone Steak House on Long Island.
To see a brief video of the luncheon from our friends at Hamptons Television WVVH-TV click HERE.
Connoisseur Broadcasting Long Island – Stew Leonard’s Turkey Brigade for People in Need
Connoisseur Media Long Island helped to welcome Stew Leonard’s Grocery to Long Island with their first annual Long Island Turkey Brigade. Stew Leonard’s Stores distributed 2000 free turkeys to people in need. The stations introduced the company to many local agencies, non-profits, church groups and community groups who need extra help this season to feed families for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Each of the Connoisseur Media Long Island radio stations ran newscasts and Public Service Announcements inviting listeners to nominate organizations they believe needed help for Thanksgiving. After receiving thousands of entries, 26 organizations were selected to each receive a number of turkeys to support their programs. Groups receiving turkeys included Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, the Sachem North High School food drive, Mineola Middle School food drive, the Bethany House for Women, St Vincent DePaul’s Parish and many more. Each organization received their turkeys at the new Stew Leonard’s Long Island Grocery store at Airport Plaza on November 29th. Alissa Marti accepted the award for the Connoisseur stations.
WBAB (Cox Radio) -WBAB’s 9th Annual Sticky Finger Run for Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather Hospital
The WBAB Sticky Finger Run is the brainchild of “Fingers,” WBAB’s afternoon drive host. He was looking for a unique way to make a positive difference for those fighting Breast Cancer on Long Island. After partnering with Mather Hospital’s Fortunato Breast Health Center, “Fingers” looked for the perfect place to host a Motorcycle Run. The run ended at the Great South Bay Music Festival. No other Motorcycle Run on Long Island ends at a festival of this magnitude and provides such an exciting way for riders to celebrate after a successful ride. Since its inception in 2007, the WBAB Sticky Finger Run has raised over $180,000 for the Mather Hospital, as well as incredible awareness for the struggle of those suffering from Breast Cancer and their families.
The Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson offers medical and social services for the general public, breast cancer sufferers and survivors. Services include screenings, second opinions, follow-up care, treatment, patient and family education, support groups and community education and outreach. The run took place on July 19th with over 450 bikers braving oppressive heat and raised over $23,000 for a great cause. John Shea, Vice President and General Manager of WBAB and the Cox Stations on Long Island attended and accepted the award.
WVVH Hampton Television – Supporting “All for the East End” (AFTEE)
The East End of Long Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful communities in the world. And for those who live, work and visit here, feel very lucky. All For The East End (AFTEE), supports and preserves it for the future by supporting the not for profit (NPO) community. Its mission: to help, support and showcase the nonprofits that make the East End a place unlike any other. By publicly showcasing and supporting the over 1000 organizations in the five East End towns, AFTEE is a unifying voice, leveraging strategic assets of collaboration and its regional brand to raise awareness, rally support and launch a new era of fundraising and organizational integration.
The “Fund for the East End” and grant process is managed by the Long Island Community Foundation (LICF) to ensure transparency. They administer fund disbursement of profits obtained through AFTEE’s efforts. With a fundraising target estimated at a minimum of $50,000 each year and 1,075 registered 501(c)(3) organizations in the East End towns, AFTEE’s efforts could easily benefit more than 100,000 people.
WVVH-TV is a strong supporter of AFTEE. It has played a major role in helping AFTEE get its message out to the community. The station is also a major sponsor of AFTEE’s events. The founders and owners of WVVH-TV, Ernie Schimizzi and Greg Schimizzi accepted the award on behalf of the station. A video of the luncheon can be found on WVVH-TVs “You Tube Channel” HERE.