Cleveland Radio Station Holds a Lock-In To Raise Money for Food Bank
Updated: Dec 6, 2023
OBERLIN, Ohio - In the midst of rising food costs and increasing financial challenges faced by many, local radio stations WOBL and WDLW have once again teamed up to support a worthy cause. The Second Harvest Food Bank's 40th Annual Holiday Cheer Campaign, sponsored by the two stations, aims to raise funds to help provide food for those in need during the holiday season.
On Friday, December 8th, radio personalities GT (Gary Tollett) and DJ Jimbo (Jim Alexander) will be broadcasting live from the WOBL Studio starting at 7am. Their goal is to raise $10,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank through a lock-in event, where they will remain on air throughout the day. The event, which will be the third year in a row that Gary Tollett hosts, will also feature surprise guests joining the broadcast both in the studio and over the airwaves.
Adding to the excitement, Gremi, the host of "Cleve-It To Us," will be joining Gary at the radio station for the lock-in. Gremi will also be streaming live on the Cleveland 13 News social media pages, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, to help spread the word about the campaign and encourage community involvement.
The idea for the lock-in event originated during the pandemic, when a local Burger King was unable to continue a promotion that had previously raised several thousand dollars annually for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Gary Tollett, the owner of WOBL and WDLW, and a member of the Cleveland 13 News Advisory Board, took it upon himself to find a way to continue raising those funds for the important cause. Known for his creative fundraising initiatives and commitment to his community, Gary has been actively involved in various social causes. The radio stations will also function as a drop-off location for canned goods and nonperishable items for the food bank throughout the Holiday Cheer Campaign.
The WOBL and WDLW radio stations, often referred to as Cleveland's "Cornfield Radio Stations," are located in Oberlin, Ohio, nestled in a vast cornfield. These stations take an old-school approach to radio and community engagement, fostering a sense of connection and nostalgia among listeners. Gary Tollett, along with his wife Renee' Tollett, who co-owns the radio stations, are deeply passionate about their community and are known for their dedication to making a positive impact.
The lock-in event coincides with Cleveland 13 News' "13 Days of Giveaways." Throughout the day, Gremi will be live-streaming from the radio station and at 8pm, he will announce the winners of various prizes through a virtual wheel spin. The prizes include:
a $25 Scalpers/Sharpy's Gift Card and T-Shirt
a $20 All City Candy Gift Card
a $20 B.A. Sweetie Candy Gift Card
Rascal House Pizza for a Year plus Merch
a $25 Milk N Tea Gift Card
a custom engraved cutting board from Gremi Designs.
Anyone and everyone can participate in the giveaways and have a chance to win these prizes. Simply follow Cleveland 13 News online and engage with the posts featuring the prizes on Cleveland 13 News' social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
The lock-in event organized by WOBL and WDLW, along with the support of Gremi and Cleveland 13 News, is a testament to the power of community engagement and the willingness of individuals to come together in support of those in need. By combining their resources and platforms, these local media outlets are not only raising funds but also spreading awareness about the importance of addressing food insecurity during the holiday season.
As the Second Harvest Food Bank Holiday Cheer Campaign gains momentum, it serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness and generosity can make a substantial difference in the lives of individuals and families facing financial struggles. The efforts of Gary Tollett, Gremi, and the entire team at WOBL, WDLW, and Cleveland 13 News are truly inspiring and serve as an invitation for others to step up and make a positive impact in their own communities.
