Home » News & Stories » NH’s 2nd Annual Make 12-Hours Count Radio-thon for Veterans Tops $150,000

NH’s 2nd Annual Make 12-Hours Count Radio-thon for Veterans Tops $150,000

Granite Staters, Celebrities, Elected Officials, iHeartRadio, News Radio FM 96-7, WGIR 610 Team Up with Veterans Count to Support Families

Manchester, NH – The 2nd Annual Make 12 Hours Count Radio-thon for Veterans Count, a program of Easter Seals celebrating its 10th anniversary, was a motivational day that raised more than $150,000 to help local service member and their families! This incredible 12-hour Radio-thon was broadcast on News Radio 96-7 in Portsmouth, News Radio 610 in Manchester as well as nationwide on iHeartRadio.com. Presented by LTC Partners, the donations poured in on a day officially proclaimed by NH Governor Maggie Hassan as “Veterans Count Day”.

“The outpouring of kindness for veterans and their families from our neighbors throughout New Hampshire was truly inspiring,” said Easter Seals NH President & CEO Larry Gammon. “That kindness, combined with the support we received from sponsors, volunteers and especially the dedicated people at News Radio 96-7 and News Radio 610, were indispensable in raising significant funds to help our service members through challenging times.”

Lucy Lange Gappens, SVPS for iHeartMedia- New Hampshire was equally thrilled: “We are overwhelmed and humbled by the response to this effort! Thanks to the dedication of New Hampshire Today host Jack Heath and the entire team at iHeart- New Hampshire for coordinating with the team at Easter Seals -Veterans Count, as well as the generous sponsors for their involvement in making this is the most successful radio-thon we have ever had.”

The Radio-thon featured 12 hours of compelling content about the challenges faced by military families and how Veterans Count provides support. Additionally, the broadcast included testimonials from clients, sponsor recognition, and check presentations. The Radio-thon was broadcast live with donations ranging from a $25,000 pledge from Presidential candidate Donald Trump and a $15,000 donation from former NH Governor Craig Benson to piggy banks stuffed with dollars and coins.

NewsRadio 610 and WGIR 96-7 wish to thank the hourly Supporting Sponsors: Autofair, Bank of America, Granite Group Benefits, Granite State Indoor Range, Great American Restaurants, Kittery Trading Post, Manchester Harley Davidson, New England Dragway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Service Credit Union, Toyota of Portsmouth, and Walmart. Thank you also to more than 100 event and phone bank volunteers as well as incentive sponsors, food sponsors, and to the companies who participated in grassroots fundraising efforts.

The proceeds from this Radio-thon will directly impact the lives of veterans, service members, and their families. Since 2006, Veterans Count has provided more than 9,000 individuals with services including suicide prevention, employment, homelessness, substance abuse treatment, transportation, and mental health issues resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. Additionally, Veterans Count provides financial assistance for food, home maintenance, utilities, housing, rent, fuel assistance, vehicle repair, child care, gasoline, and medical bills.

If you missed the Radio-thon and would like to make a donation to help NH veterans and their families, please visit vetscount.org or call 844.650.VETS.

Visit our Veterans Count Facebook to view photos from the event!