102.9 WMGK-FM presented the 17th Annual John DeBella Veterans Radiothon on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 6am to 6pm. The event raised an all-time high of $222,749 to benefit the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC).
Throughout the broadcast, DeBella encouraged listeners to make call-in donations via 1800-678-WMGK (9645) or secure online donations via www.wmgk.com. In addition, listeners were able to participate in a series of online eBay auctions on the station website to bid on Bruce Springsteen pit tickets, a pair of three-day passes for the Power Trip Festival, Guns N’ Roses VIP Experience tickets, autographed items from Taylor Swift, Bryce Harper, and more.
One of the highlights of the radiothon came when ACME Market donated $30,000 to the VMC as part of their support of the event.
Over the past 17 years, John DeBella has raised over $2,000,000 to benefit the non-profit organization. This year’s event marked DeBella’s final year hosting as he prepares to officially retire from his legendary radio career on Friday, June 30th, 2023.
“With this being my last major event at WMGK and the last of my career, I went for the lofty goal of breaking $200,000,” said DeBella. “All I could do was hope, knowing that the best we ever did was $176,000. I was shocked at the final total and am incredibly grateful to my listeners. I have been blessed with the greatest audience in radio. This money is going to help a lot of Vets.”
The event was sponsored by Certainteed, Davis Honda, Window Nation, IBEW Local 98, Always Best Care, Chevy Cadillac of Turnersville, ACME, UFCW Local 1776, David Dodge, Rita’s, Bush Auto Group, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
