The 935/1430 WCMY studios in downtown Ottawa hosted a heartwarming and successful fundraising event on December 1st, as the community came together for the 15th annual “Freezin’ for a Reezin’,” a benefit in support of the Ottawa Community Food Basket.
Despite the rainy chilly weather, the warmth of community spirit radiated throughout the event, showcasing the generosity and compassion of Ottawa and LaSalle county residents. The primary objective of the fundraiser was to collect monetary funds to help combat food insecurity in Ottawa and the LaSalle County area. And to help provide the Ottawa Community Food Basket with the much-needed funds for purchasing food throughout the year.
The event featured 935/1430 WCMY host Jay LeSeure, with special guests DJs, and celebrities on the air along the way helping to fill the nine-hour broadcast. Local area business owners, employees, individuals, and community leaders volunteered their time in the cold rain collecting the monetary donations. All while being entertained by the local elementary, middle, and high school choirs throughout the day. In addition, a first in the 72 years of WCMY being on the air. The Waltham Elementary School band performed live inside the WCMY studios during the freezin’ broadcast.
“The response from the community was truly overwhelming,” said Tammy Sondgeroth, general manager at 935/1430 WCMY. “Despite the rainy cold weather, people turned out in large numbers to support this great cause. The stream of cars all day, and the smiles of everyone involved was heartwarming to witness”. She also said, “It’s amazing to see how a collective effort like Freezin’ for a Reezin’ can over its 15 years make such a positive impact on the lives of those in need in our wonderful community.”
The Ottawa Community Food Basket, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity, will be the recipient of all the monetary funds raised during the event. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable members of the community have access to nutritious meals.
At the end of the day at the WCMY studios, the “Freezin’ for a Reezin'” event managed to raise an impressive $57,000.00. Donations will still be accepted online and at the Ottawa Community Food Basket and will go toward the final total for the “Freezin’ for a Reezin” event.
This significant contribution will undoubtedly make a substantial difference in supporting the Ottawa Community Food Basket’s mission and providing relief to those facing hunger in the Ottawa and LaSalle county areas.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered for the event,” expressed Marissa Vicich, executive director of the Ottawa Community Food Basket. “The funds raised will go a long way in helping us meet the increasing demand for food assistance. And the buying power these donations provide will allow us to help the community all year long.” Marissa Vicich the current executive director of the Community Food Basket, has been involved with the organization since the age of 10.
The success of “Freezin’ for a Reezin'” not only highlights the generosity of the Ottawa, and LaSalle county communities but also serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in addressing critical social issues. As the holiday season approaches, the event’s impact will resonate in the lives of those who will benefit from the support and generosity demonstrated by the participants and contributors all of 2024.