WBLI 106.1 FM (Cox Media Long Island)
- Special Olympics: Polar Plunge & Plugged Into Long Island Law Enforcement Torch Run
Cox Media Group Long Island’s partnership with the Special Olympics goes back decades, but the efforts of BLI Morning Host “Syke” have taken the relationship to new heights. Syke’s enthusiasm to participate in the annual “Polar Plunge” has become viral, with listeners from around Long Island (and beyond) following his adventures on Social Media and donating to his team, which consists of listeners and members of the CMG staff.
Besides taking the plunge, WBLI invites Special Olympics athletes to the Studios every year to record a “Plugged Into Long Island” public affairs program and to shoot videos for Facebook and Instagram.
CMGLI personalities also host the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, as well as other Special Olympics events throughout the year.
WBAB 102.3 FM – (Cox Media Long Island)
- Melissa’s Wish
Melissa’s Wish is a not-for-profit organization founded with the purpose of providing short term, non-medical financial aid, in the form of a grant, to the caregivers assisting those afflicted with a serious illness, injury or end of life event.
WBAB was introduced to Melissa’s Wish through their longtime partnership with the Dee Snider Ride, a charity motorcycle event spearheaded by legendary Long Island rocker Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Since 2017, all the funds raised from the Dee Snider Ride has benefitted Melissa’s Wish.
WBAB’s relationship with Melissa’s Wish founder Bill Blackford goes much further back. WBAB Afternoon Drive host Fingers has known Bill for over 18 years and was friendly with Melissa, even riding with her and her dad on occasion.
Needless to say, WBAB’s commitment to Melissa’s Wish runs deep and the station looks forward to assisting Bill and his team on their mission for many years to come.
WALK 97.5 FM & 1370 AM; The Shark 94.3; 103.1 MAX FM; K-98.3 Long Island (Connoisseur Media)
- Dual Station Food Drive
The stations are committed to helping those less fortunate on Long Island. One of the stations most successful campaigns is the dual station food drive with Island Harvest. The stations teamed up to host an all-day food drive to help feed our neighbors in need. Both stations set up at the Stop and Shop in Smithtown, NY and broadcasted side by side soliciting food and monetary donations. the promotions provided by the stations and the on sight participation made this a highly successful event for Long Island.
- Project Toy with the Family Service League
Connoisseur stations WALK and KJOY sponsored a 3-day broadcast drive for Family Service League’s Project Toy. We hosted three separate broadcast donation drive: WALK 97.5 at Smithhaven Mall, K-98.3 at Westfield Sunrise Mall and another dual broadcast with 103.1 MAX FM and 94.3 The Shark at Westfield South Shore. The drives helped collect toys and gifts for families in need around the holiday season. In total the donations helped more than 6000 families.
WVVH-TV Hamptons Television, Long Island
- “Hampton Classic Horse Show Championships For Long Island Riders with Disabilities”
It takes perseverance and plain old hard work to chase a Championship title for more than ten years. The therapeutic value of the horse is real and present at the Hampton Classic. The opportunity to ride in the same Grand Prix rings as America’s best equestrians is an honor these Long Island Riders with Disability winners have earned. The day began with a breakfast in one of the VIP Chalets, where Olympic Gold Grand Prix rider Peter Wylde presented ribbons to each rider who had qualified to compete in the finals. The 2018 LIHSSRD Championship Finals were held at the Hampton Classic Monday, with twenty riders across three divisions competing for the year-end titles, generously presented by BNB Bank and broadcast by WVVH-TV, the Official TV station of the Hampton Classic Horse Show since 1996.
Katie McGowan, Director and Founder of HorseAbility and one of the founding committee members of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities, discussed the impact the horses have on these riders, and that simply being able to compete as part of a larger community is something many other riders may take for granted. “These riders, these particular individuals, most of them are not able to be part of team sports,” explained McGowan. “Riding, although an individual sport, gives them and their families the opportunity to be part of a team with the other riders at their barn. Then, because they all go to these five or six horse shows, they become part of their barn family. And show family. Even from other barns, they cheer each other on. They root each other on while they are on horseback, in the ring! That’s amazing. To have passion for one another and feel true joy for one another – that’s what this is all about. And the horse is always at the center of it.”
Shanette Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic, said “The Hampton Classic is honored to host the LIHSSRD series finals again this year. This is truly one of my favorite days at the Classic. These riders are an outstanding example of meeting challenges head-on.”