WhyHunger's Hungerthon Raises $822K to Fight Hunger

New York, NY December 21, 2015 -- WhyHunger's annual Hungerthon campaign raised a gross total of $822K this year for the fight against hunger and poverty. Partnering with CBS Radio New York, SiriusXM and iHeartMedia New York, the money was raised through the combined efforts of a national radiothon, where WhyHunger staff and 15 different community-based partners participated in issue-focused interviews, and an online auction, which featured one-of-a-kind donations of memorabilia and experiences.

"As we wrap up our 30th Hungerthon, we continue to be inspired and energized by the tremendous support of the thousands of fans, radio listeners, artist and celebrity partners, and our incredible sponsors who make this campaign possible," said WhyHunger's executive director Noreen Springstead. "The Hungerthon community has once again stepped up to join WhyHunger in the critical work of building a just food system that upholds everyone's right to nutritious food."

Funds raised are invested in long-term community-based solutions that help people in need across communities in America. By resourcing, connecting and supporting the grassroots leaders who are driving food equality for the nation, WhyHunger is working to create a powerful, vital collective to drive change, and each year, the campaign builds further awareness for the global issue of hunger.

"It's time that a formal process exists to provide artists with a direct channel to share their achievements with potential partners. BMI is at the center of the songwriting universe and we are proud to be working with them to ensure that artists have an outlet for proper recognition. Everyone should have the opportunity to get in front of investors, sponsors, and potential industry partners and BMI is helping us to expand this resource to new frontiers. We're passionate about bringing this network to the industry, and believe that it will become an indispensible way for artists to connect with partners."

With over 150 auctions on charitybuzz.com, this year's top earners included:

Bruce Springsteen Autographed 1952 Fender Reissue Telecaster Guitar
Dinner with Max Weinberg with Signed Memorabilia
VIP Tickets to Saturday Night Live plus a Backstage Tour with Director Don Roy King
Guest DJ on SiriusXM's 1st Wave in NYC or LA
Flyaway to Meet Kenny Chesney with 2 Sandbar Tickets to a show on the 2016 Spread the Love Tour
Guest DJ on SiriusXM's Big 80s on 8 in New York City

This year, WhyHunger partnered with singer-songwriter & actress Emily Kinney in a successful effort to help raise awareness. Some highlights: an Entertainment Weekly Radio (SiriusXM, channel 105) interview with the charity's executive director Noreen Springstead, a NYLON snapchat takeover during a site visit to Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger, an interview on HLN's The Daily Share, amongst others.

Additionally, WhyHunger's long-time board member and Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Tom Chapin joined the team at CBS Radio New York to support a live radiothon on Nov 24th, including a memorable interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa.

Special thanks to Hungerthon 2015 Radio Partners: SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CBS Radio New York and iHeartMedia New York; our sponsors at Hard Rock International; and the newest addition to the Artist Against Hunger & Poverty Program: Emily Kinney.

You can still get involved at Hungerthon.org through the end of the year and donations are accepted year round by texting the word WHY to 50555 to donate $10 to WhyHunger. Data & Msg rates apply, full terms at mGive.org/T

About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin, WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. WhyHunger works to support, resources and build the capacity of community organizations and social movements that are changing the systems, policies and institutions that perpetuate hunger and poverty in our world. Together we are transforming our collective food system into one that is socially and economically just, nourishes whole communities, cools the planet and ensures the rights of all people to food, land, water and sustainable livelihoods. Learn more at whyhunger.org.