Colorado Broadcasters Raise $220,000 for Wildfire Relief

**Release**

Broadcasters throughout Colorado joined forces to help raise $220,000 Wednesday night through a live broadcast fundraiser to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts in Colorado and to benefit the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation.

Rocky Mountain PBS hosted Denver television stations as they broadcast live from the Wednesday fundraiser.

Donors contributed a total of $156,397 to the Red Cross and $63,603 to the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation. These totals do not reflect any donations by individuals who chose to give online or by mailing a check.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support the community has shown all of Colorado's fire fighters. Thank you," said Randy Glanville, Chair of the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Board of Directors.

Significant donations during the fundraiser included a $10,000 gift from the Scripps Howard Foundation, presented by KMGH to the American Red Cross; a $5,000 donation from the Colorado Broadcasters Association to the Red Cross; and a $40,000 matching donation provided by a Colorado foundation that wished to remain anonymous.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our community in response to these heartbreaking wildfires,” said Gino Greco, CEO of the Mile High Region of the American Red Cross. “Your donations have directly helped people affected by these wildfires, and your support for Red Cross disaster relief will ensure that we can continue to be there to offer shelter, food, comfort and aid when the next disaster affects our neighbors in Colorado.”

“The coverage of the tragic wildfires and the overwhelming support Colorado radio and television generated through their generous listeners and viewers is simply another example of the vital role local radio and television plays throughout our state,” said Justin Sasso, President & CEO of the Colorado Broadcasters Association. “The Colorado Broadcasters Association is honored to work with these fine broadcasters and we’re grateful for the generosity of these stations, staff and the folks who gave to such a great cause.”

Learn more about the relief efforts and how you can help at www.ColoradoRedCross.org.