Grand Rapids, Mich. (June 09, 2014) – Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research and science education facility located in Grand Rapids, and B-93, nations leading country station and largest FM signal, are proud to announce a new Purple Community® cause marketing partnership that will increase awareness and engagement of the grassroots fundraising program.
B-93 is making Purple Community the beneficiary of its new Country Kicks Cancer fundraiser, a week-long radiothon broadcast on the country music station in September. The event has cumulatively raised more than $4 million for community organizations and reached millions of listeners. Radio hosts from the station introduced Purple Community to more than 60,000 fans at the B-93 Birthday Bash Saturday at US 131 Motorsports Park.
“B-93 and Clear Channel are longtime supporters of local organizations, and we are excited to join Van Andel Institute in its important mission,” said Tim Feagan, Clear Channel Vice President Market Manager, West Michigan. “We look forward to making strides in the fight against cancer.”
Clear Channel’s B-93 decided to dedicate its efforts to VAI because of its impact on disease research and 100% hope promise. Thanks to the generosity of Jay and Betty Van Andel, 100% of every donation goes directly to the laboratories and classrooms where discoveries are made.
“Van Andel Institute scientists are making breakthroughs every day, and the support of companies like Clear Channel moves their work forward at a faster rate,” said David Van Andel, VAI Chairman and CEO. “This valuable partnership amplifies the strengths of both organizations for the benefit of human health.”
Many employees at Clear Channel stations have personal connections to the diseases VAI fights, making the partnership an optimal way to contribute to a cause close to home.
“Several of us at Clear Channel have been affected by cancer and disease, whether it was the diagnosis of a parent, friend or child,” said Feagan. “Supporting research that may one day lead to a cure gives us great hope the next generation won’t have those same experiences.”
“We are grateful to add B-93 to our growing list of national cause marketing partners,” said Love Collins, III, VAI Vice President Development, Communications and Marketing. “We will use this incredible opportunity to amplify the Institute’s work and suggest how others can get involved by joining Purple Community.”
The partnership includes special promotion of Purple Community in the form of public service announcements and articles on B-93’s website. Through Purple Community, students, businesses and community members have generated more than $900,000 for cancer and neurodegenerative research at VAI with basketball games, lemonade stands, mountain bike racing and more.
For more information, visit www.vai.org
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About Van Andel Institute
Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is an independent research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Mich. Through biomedical research and science education, Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Find out more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting www.vai.org. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope®.
About Purple Community
Purple Community-100% Hope is Van Andel Institute’s grassroots fundraising initiative which connects people who want to join the fight against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s, to the resources needed for action. It provides individualized tools and customized support to people who want to create awareness and fundraising opportunities in their communities. Purple Community gives local action global potential. All fundraising and awareness activities organized through Purple Community fund research and science education at Van Andel Institute. Find out more about Purple Community by visiting www.PurpleCommunity.org. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope®.
About Clear Channel
Clear Channel Grand Rapids owns and operates WBCT-FM; WBFX-FM; WMAX-FM; WOOD-AM; WSNX-FM; WSRW-FM; WTKG-AM; WOOD-FM and is part of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. With 245 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment serves 150 markets through 840 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, HD digital radio, satellite radio, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile app, in enhanced auto dashes, on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems. iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s digital radio platform, is the No. 1 all-in-one digital audio service with over 225 million downloads; it reached its first 20 million registered users faster than any digital service in Internet history. The company’s operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. Clear Channel Media & Entertainment is a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at ClearChannel.com.