Over the last week and a half, Nebraskans have banded together to support one another following the historic floods that covered the eastern portion of our state. Now, KFAB along with TV and radio broadcasters from across the state have come together for one day, super fundraiser.
From 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Friday, broadcasters across Nebraska are to encouraging people to donate to the #NebraskaStrong Drive for Flood Relief.
To kick off the drive, the Nebraska Broadcasters Association made a $20,000 donation to the American Red Cross to aid victims of the historic flooding impacting Nebraska and western Iowa. NBA President/Executive Director Jim Timm says dozens of broadcasters are coming together in encouraging their audiences to help out and make a donation. “We’re asking every NBA member station across Nebraska to promote the Red Cross phone number to facilitate donations. We expect very high call volume and ask callers to be patient.”
Timm also acknowledged the recent efforts of countless NBA member stations and their personnel since the risk of flooding first became evident last week. “This is what local broadcasters do. News, weather, road closures, shelters – we work with law enforcement and other government agencies to update the public no matter the time of day.” Timm said. “A number of member stations have collected water, clothing, toiletries, cleanup supplies and more. The response to calls for helping others in need has been overwhelming.”
At a #NebraskaStrong press conference on Friday, Governor Pete Ricketts said Nebraska has a long road to recovery, but that he is confident efforts like Friday's day-long fundraiser will help get resources to those who have been impacted. "This effort today really represents that great spirit of Nebraska, that 'Nebraska Strong,' as people pull together to help their neighbors. This is what we've always done throughout our state's history, this is how we're going to get through this disaster today."
At the same press conference, Congressman Don Bacon applauded the work of broadcasters and journalists during the destructive flooding. "You really highlighted what people were going through. Lost farms, lost homes, lost lives and also the sacrifice of those first responders."
Others in attendance also included Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.
DONATE ON FRIDAY: Call 1-844-278-8555 from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The phone number in use on Friday was secured for this fund drive only, to make sure that all money donated on Friday through that phone number, stays in our region. As donations are received the Red Cross deploys them to the areas of greatest need based on the areas that are most impacted. Right now the greatest need is in Nebraska. Some funding could go to the five Southwest Iowa counties impacted by flooding in this Red Cross region, as they are a part of the impacted zone.
GIVE ANYTIME:
Donate online at redcross.org/donate and click "Disaster Relief"
Those who aren't able to give during Friday's event, or who prefer to mail a check, are encouraged to send their donation to one of the following Red Cross chapters:
Omaha:
American Red Cross
2912 S. 80th Ave.
Omaha NE 68124
Lincoln:
American Red Cross
220 Oakcreek Drive
Lincoln, NE 68528
Grand Island (serves communities west of Lincoln)
American Red Cross
404 E. 3rd St.
Grand Island, NE 68801
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization supporting the interests of 215 FCC-licensed radio and TV member stations throughout Nebraska and is the second-oldest state broadcast association in America.