Beasley Media Group’s New Jersey rock station 95.9 WRAT has raised more than US$152,000 for Ocean of Love, a local charity supporting children with cancer and their families.
For the fifth year, the station staged its Billboard Radiothon, a four-day fundraising event in Toms River, a coastal town in Ocean County, about 100 km south of New York City. Afternoon drive host Gotts spent the duration living on top of a roadside billboard while the station broadcast live from the site.
The initial fundraising target was $109,000, but the campaign ultimately raised $152,492 — the largest amount in the event’s history and significantly exceeding last year’s total. WRAT credited donations from its audience, which it brands as RAT Rock Nation, as well as support from local businesses.
The event also featured themed evenings with live music, food trucks and family activities. A new initiative this year was RAT Rock Pilsner, a locally brewed beer with proceeds donated to Ocean of Love.
AJ Lurie, regional vice president and market manager at Beasley New Jersey, said the funds would have “a meaningful impact on the children and families who need it most.” Gotts added that living on the billboard was “humbling and inspiring,” noting the strength of the children and families involved.
Donations remain open through the end of September.
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