Chuck & Madison, hosts of ‘The Morning Drive,’
emceed the 13-hour ‘WHMI Cares’ Radiothon
on October 9, 2025.

Krol Communications’ WHMI-FM (Howell) held its inaugural WHMI Cares Radiothon on October 9 and raised $52,905 for four community nonprofits – the Livingston County United Way, the Salvation Army of Livingston County, Gleaners Community Food Bank and LACASA – handily exceeding expectations and reinforcing the importance of community.

“Our first-ever 13-hour radiothon brought our sponsors, generous listeners and local leaders together ahead of the upcoming holidays to rally support for four pivotal organizations that address the pressing needs of our community,” said WHMI General Manager Rich Renko. “I’m incredibly proud of ‘Chuck & Madison,’ our morning show hosts, for their marathon achievement, for our listeners who called in or stopped by the station with their checks, and to our civic leaders. Together, they proved that nothing is impossible when we all come together to help each other.

“WHMI is more than a radio station – we’re committed to serving the residents of Livingston County,” Renko added. “The success of the ‘WHMI Cares’ underscores the unrivaled power of our brand in rallying an entire community.”

During the radiothon, which aired from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Chuck & Madison spoke with people who shared their personal – and often emotional – stories describing how they directly benefited from the various nonprofits. Together, the Livingston County United Way, the Salvation Army of Livingston County, Gleaners Community Food Bank and LACASA help residents find shelter, achieve financial stability, address food insecurity, assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and more.

“The ‘WHMI Cares’ radiothon holds great significance for The Salvation Army of Livingston County,” said Lt. Robert Leach of The Salvation Army of Livingston County. “Capt. Stephanie Leach and I are overwhelmed with the generosity of the WHMI listeners and the community of Livingston County. We want to thank WHMI for the time and effort invested in organizing this radiothon. These funds will help
us provide food for families who may struggle to put food on the table, keep the lights and heat on in their homes, or keep a roof over their heads. It will help us to walk families out of the cycle of poverty to self-sufficiency or provide a place for someone to sleep. These funds will allow us to continue to bridge the gap between feeling stuck in a challenging situation and finding hope when all things seem lost.”

Representatives from the Livingston County United Way, the Salvation Army of Livingston County, Gleaners Food Bank and LACASA in the ‘WHMI Cares’ Radiothon command center.

“Livingston County United Way was truly humbled and honored to be part of the ‘WHMI Cares’,” said Executive Director Carrie Newstead. “While raising funds was an important goal, the day’s greatest
impact came from informing our community about the vital services available to them, showing how, together, we can unite to support those in need. It was a powerful opportunity for people to learn more
about our local nonprofits and the missions that drive us. We were warmly welcomed by the entire WHMI team, and by the end of the day, we felt a deep connection with everyone involved. It was incredibly inspiring to witness the hard work that made the event such a success—achieving our fundraising goal, spreading awareness, and bringing our community together in such a meaningful way.”

“Hunger doesn’t have a specific face or ZIP code. We know it resides in every neighborhood and takes our collaboration to solve,” said Katie Choate, senior director, community engagement, for Gleaners
Community Food Bank. “The ‘WHMI Cares’ radiothon, in partnership with other amazing service organizations in Livingston County, is an example of how, when we come together, we can have a  tremendous positive impact on our community. We are grateful for the generosity of WHMI, sponsors, supporters and community members.”

“The ‘WHMI Cares’ radiothon was a huge success financially and in raising awareness among listeners about LACASA and the 35 programs we provide in the community,” said LACASA President/CEO
Bobette A. Schrandt, LMSW. “The production was outstanding, and I want to give a special shout-out and heartfelt thank you to WHMI’s Chuck & Madison, who tirelessly worked throughout the day to raise
funds for four community charities. It was a magnificent event and such a fun day for everyone involved. Thank you, WHMI, for your incredible partnership and support—well done!”