Giving Circle partners with 98.5 WTFM to conduct multimedia fundraiser

Published 11:26 am Wednesday, August 5, 2020

JOHNSON CITY — Thanks to a partnership with 98.5 WTFM, giving circle 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care will conduct its 7th Big Give Event on the TV show A Closer Look. On August 16, area residents are invited to watch or listen to presentations by three local nonprofits. Members will cast votes after the show airs, and the nonprofit with the most votes will receive the group’s collective donation of approximately $10,000.

“Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation is thrilled to be part of something so huge in our own backyard,” said Tiffany Hickman, 98.5 WTFM’s General Sales Manager. “We love being able to be the channel that connects amazing donors to wonderful organizations and provides them with a lifeline to impact lives in our community for generations to come.”

The 7th Big Give Event will air on COZI TV from 6:00-6:30 a.m. and on MeTV WAPK from 11:30-12 p.m. It will be broadcast via radio from 6:00-6:30 a.m. on 98.5 WTFM, Classic Hits 102.7 WVEK, 95.9 The HOG WRZK, and ESPN Tri-Cities. Those who are unable to tune in will also be able to access a recording on YouTube and Facebook.

“I am proud to be a part of The Big Give as well as what 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care represents!” said Lynda Fontaine, host of A Closer Look. “This organization brings together like minded women in the region who want to make a positive difference to our community and I appreciate how coming together and giving a such a small part of ourselves can make such a big impact. What a blessing it is to be a part of something so good and meaningful.”

While Big Give Events are typically held in person, changes were necessary due to the public health emergency. “Conducting our event this way benefits everyone,” said 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care Media Coordinator Claire Marr. “It protects our members by eliminating the infection risks associated with an in-person event, and it also brings a higher level of awareness to the nominated nonprofits. Representatives will speak not just to our members but also to the community at large, allowing their message to reach a broader audience.”

After the show airs, members will have 48 hours to vote for their favorite charity. New members may join and vote until the deadline. All viewers, regardless of gender, are invited to donate to the selected nonprofit.

Members have contributed over $65,000 to local nonprofits since the group’s First Big Give Event in 2019. Recipients included Isaiah 117, Season of Hope, Levi’s Legacy, H.O.P.E., Cherished Mom, and One Acre Cafe.

“New members are always needed,” said 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care Founder Becca Davis, “But especially now, since many of our members are not able to give as they normally would.” Members commit to contributing $100 each quarter; lower financial commitments are available via group memberships.

“It’s fast, simple, and impactful,” said Davis. “Our club empowers local women to be philanthropists, and it empowers nonprofits by providing financial resources so that they can serve more people in our region.”

For more information or to join, visit the group’s website, www.tricitieswomenwhocare.com.