WACM TSUNAMI RELIEF RADIO-A-THON

For many of us, the days following the Tsunami tragedy were very distressful as images of victims began appearing in the media. Thankfully, many individuals and groups immediately mobilized to give aide to the relief effort. One such person was Tony Gois, General Manager of 1490/WACM and 1270/WSPR, two of the hottest Latino radio stations in Western Massachusetts. He, along with his family, wasted no time in utilizing his radio stations to mobilize volunteers who helped raise funds to assist the Tsunami victims.

Shortly after the disaster, Gois approached Anita “La ZUKY” Rivera, a native of Cayey, Puerto Rico, and a 22-year radio broadcaster, and the publisher of “EL PUEBLO LATINO,” a Spanish community newspaper. Without hesitation, Rivera began to coordinate the two-day radio-a-thon. She said, “When I saw the news, the impact of the devastation was as if it were my own loss.” Rivera, who in 1985 lost three children in a Springfield fire, has lived her own nightmare and feels a deep sense of compassion and commitment to help others in need. “I could never ask anything for myself, but I would give what I did not have for others, especially when we are blessed with so much.” Rivera contacted Jenny Gonzalez, a community activist, Carlos Gonzalez, CEO of the Latino Chamber of Commerce, and City Councilor Jose Tosado to assist in calling businesses and individuals in the community.

On January 3 and 4, the two-day radio-a-thon ran continuously for 12 hours each day. Rivera said it was humbling to see the outpouring of support from the community. Many businesses, as well as employees, pooled their dollars together and brought in their contributions. The heartfelt sentiment was evident among the young and the old, who came with their donations to express their sorrow for Tsunami victims.

In addition, radio broadcasters, Marco Rivera, Jorge Colon, DJ. Victor “Tricky” Nieves, Christian Morales, DJ. “BABY C,” and Jerry-Jerry enthusiastically covered the phone banks while making appeals to radio listeners. Sometimes they even went out into the community to pick up monetary donations for the cause.

The goal of the radio-a-thon was to raise $20,000. Currently (at the time of the POV deadline), $19,166 dollars had been collected. However, donations are still accepted and can be made at Bank America. Checks should be made out to WACM TSUNAMI Radio-A-thon Account # 9511126490. Once the goal has been reached, all money will be turned over to the American Red Cross. For further information please contact 1490/WACM at (413) 782-5200. n