Official Press Release
Contact:
Marci Tyldesley, Regan Communications
617-719-1618, mtyldesley@regancomm.com
97.7/107.3 WAAF’s 17th Annual Walk and Rock for Change Kicks off December 16th
Boston (December 14, 2009) -- 97.7/107.3 WAAF will take to the streets for the 17th Annual Walk and Rock for Change on Wednesday, December 16th. For three days, WAAF personalities LB and Spaz will walk through a total of 22 cities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to raise money for the fight against hunger. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit The Greater Boston Food Bank, the Worcester County Food Bank, and the New Hampshire Food Bank.
WAAF morning show personality LB will walk from Manchester, NH, through Bedford, Merrimack, Nashua, Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, Billerica, Burlington, Woburn, Winchester, Arlington and Cambridge, ending in Boston. Spaz will walk from Worcester, MA, through Shrewsbury, Northborough, Westborough, Southborough, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley and Chestnut Hill, ending in Brighton.
"Hopefully by the time LB and Spaz hit the streets and start walking, the weather will be miserable!" said WAAF morning show host Greg Hill. "We know that it's been a tough year and the climate for giving is tough, but that's why this year is maybe more important than any other. The WAAF listeners have always stepped up...but this year that step needs to be huge!"
WAAF has hosted the Walk and Rock for Change since 1993. Over the past 16
years, the event has raised over one million dollars for the regional food banks. During
the three-day event WAAF raises hunger awareness on-air, featuring a "pay-to-play"
marathon. Listeners can call in to request songs; the more unusual the song the more it
costs to play. Additionally, listeners can make donations to LB and Spaz along the walk
routes, online at waaf.com, or over the phone at 866-517-WAAF (9223).
WAAF will also broadcast live from several of the towns along the walk route over the three days. On December 16, WAAF jock Mike Hsu will broadcast from Acapulco’s Restaurant in Franklin from 10 AM – 3 PM. Afternoon jock Mistress Carrie will broadcast from the Westgate Pub in Brockton. And longtime morning show host Greg Hill, aka the Hill-Man, will broadcast from 7-9 PM at The Stadium Sports Bar in Quincy. Fans are invited to come meet the jocks, drop off donations and win great prizes.
On December 17, Mike Hsu will broadcast from Papa Razzi in Concord, Mass, from 10 AM – 3 PM. Mistress Carrie will conduct her show from The Claddagh restaurant in Lawrence from 3- 7 PM, and the Hill-Man will be at King’s in Boston from 7-9 PM. On December 18, fans can join Mike Hsu at Brew City in Worcester from 10 AM – 3 PM, and Mistress Carrie at Hooters in Saugus from 3 – 7 PM.
"The commitment of the Boston Food Bank personnel, the WAAF staff, and most impressively, the generosity of our listeners, never ceases to amaze me," said WAAF Program Director Ron Valeri. "Even during the most challenging economic times, the audience’s willingness to support The WAAF Walk and Rock for Change doesn’t diminish. Year after year, this is always a gratifying way to capture the spirit of the holiday season."
Added Catherine D’Amato, President of The Greater Boston Food Bank: "The 17 years that WAAF has devoted to the Walk and Rock for Change has provided significant amounts of food to people in need. We truly appreciate WAAF's longstanding commitment to raising money and awareness for hunger relief. The station and its staff make a positive difference in the lives of many people who are struggling, and The Greater Boston Food Bank is grateful for their support."
"The Worcester County Food Bank appreciates the loyal and generous support of WAAF’s on-air personalities and the station’s fans over the years through the annual Rock and Walk for Change" said Jean McMurray, Executive Director. "Spaz braves all kinds of weather as he walks to raise awareness and funds to help local people affected by hunger."
"The New Hampshire Food Bank is incredibly grateful for WAAF’s support through Walk & Rock for Change. Year after year, the event helps provide crucial funds in this time of need," said Melanie A. Gosselin, Executive Director New Hampshire Food Bank.
The Greater Boston Food Bank distributes approximately 30 million pounds of food and grocery products annually to more than 600 hunger-relief agencies in a dedicated partnership to end hunger in eastern Massachusetts. The Food Bank serves 83,000 people each week. For more information about The Greater Boston Food Bank, visit www.gbfb.org or call 617-427-5200.
