An Ithaca radio station changes format for one day to raise money for charity. WHCU held their very first radiothon with the money raised going to the United Way of Tompkins County. Brent Fox takes us inside this Wine and Dine event.
ITHACA, N.Y. -- "The phones are starting to ring. Hurry up and get a steal and benefit the United Way of Tompkins County," said Lee Rayburn, WHCU radio personality.
Rayburn took control of the WHCU airwaves Friday to present the station's first ever Wine and Dine Radiothon. The concept simple. Items up for auction listerners make bids.
"Our areas best wineries and favorite restaurants have contributed a $200 gift certifcate from every restaurant, a case of wine from every winery and all you have to do is make your bid,"said Rayburn.
A different restaurant and winery were featured every hour of the radiothon. Restaurants like Coltivare, Joe's Restaurant, and the Boatyard Grill to wineries like Six Mile Creek and King Ferry. Some restaurants saw quick bids coming in before they were even announced on air.
"And this hour we've got Agava Restaurant and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard. This is a big one which is why it's escalating quickly," said Rayburn.
All of the proceeds from today's radiothon go to the United Way of Tompkins County.
You don't have to have partcicpated to help out the cause.
If you would like to make a contribution to the United Way of Tompkins County and learn more about any of the restaurants featured in the radiothon, visit WHCU's website or http://www.uwtc.org/.