Free Beer & Hot Wings and GRD Raise $129,942 For Kids’ Food Basket

Thursday, August 8, things sounded a little different to those tuning into the 97.9 GRD. The commercials were gone, there were fewer songs, and they were hearing stories from people across West Michigan who have had their lives touched by Kids' Food Basket.

The inaugural Fill The Basket fundraiser to benefit Kids' Food Basket started as an idea more than four years ago and in 2024, it became a reality.

The members of the show - Gregg "Free Beer" Daniels, Chris "Hot Wings" Michels, Steve, Kelly, and Maitlynn - along with Tommy Carroll and Janna initially set a $25,000 fundraising goal for themselves. But, after meeting with the folks from KFB and learning that $35,000 is the cost to add another school to the program, they suddenly had a bigger goal in mind.

"Do It For The Kids! Do It For The Kids!"

Back in April, the team learned that a catchy chant could help them achieve their goals when they started their campaign to "Do It For The Brick" and sell out their live night show at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.

And so, when it came to raising funds for Kids' Food Basket with the Fill The Basket fundraiser, the mantra became "Do It For The Kids".

And do it for the kids, they did.

Individuals, families, and companies all across West Michigan donated to the cause.

In all, thanks to the generosity of the people of West Michigan, they were able to raise

$129,942.90

for Kids' Food Basket and their mission.

Thank you, West Michigan, for opening your hearts and your wallets to help nourish the kids in our communities.

If you'd still like to donate, you can do so here.

If you're interested in volunteer opportunities with Kids' Food Basket, you can find all of the information that you need on their website.

Huge thanks also go out to friends at Rowerdink Incorporated, Michigan's Largest AC Delco Distributor, who made it possible for the station to run commercial-free for the duration of the fundraiser. 

Check out photos from throughout the day below.