iHeart West Michigan Raises $95,000 for Dégagé Ministries

On February 5, iHeartMedia/West Michigan held its fourth annual “Day of Hope” on its WOOD-AM/FM and WBFX-FM (BIG 101.3), collecting $95,000 for Grand Rapids homeless shelter Dégagé Ministries.

On-air personalities from the stations, broadcasted live from 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. that day, sharing stories of hope from the men and women Dégagé has served.  Due to the pandemic, the radiothon was not broadcast from Dégagé as in past years but from iHeart studios. Listeners were encouraged to call or donate online to the homeless shelter.

“It’s all about giving back to the community in a real and tangible way,” said Tim Feagan, iHeart Media West Michigan market president. “This year’s Day of Hope demonstrated that even in the midst of a pandemic, with so many suffering, WOOD Radio and The BIG 101.3 listeners used their power to support and benefit a wonderful nonprofit like Dégagé Ministries, (which) is helping so many. And we are proud to say that we do it with no overhead so that 100% of the more than $95,000 raised goes directly to Dégagé.”

“We give thanks to God for WOOD Radio, The BIG 101.3 FM and the listeners who made it possible for us to provide programs that bring hope and warmth to the people we serve,” said Thelma Ensink, executive director of Dégagé. “The men and women at Dégagé Ministries can meet their goals such as finding housing and employment because of these gifts. This year’s total of over $95,000 is a testimony to the generosity of this community.”