SOFT ROCK 102.5 KEZK PLAYS ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC TO RAISE DONATIONS FOR THE ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK

It’s “Christmas in July” on July 25^th 

***NOTE TO EDITORS*** Coverage of this on-air event is encouraged.  The KEZK studio will be decorated with a Christmas theme.  Please contact Ryan Farmer at 314.289.5770 to discuss photo and live shot opportunities, interviews, or for other questions. 

St. Louis (July 25, 2007) – For the first time in its history, KEZK Radio, Soft Rock 102.5, will change its regular programming and play Christmas music for 24 hours straight to raise funds and food donations for the St. Louis Area Foodbank on Wednesday, July 25^th.  The honorable Mayor Francis Slay will be stopping by the “Ed and Cindy in the Morning” Show at 7:45am on that day to declare July 25^th as KEZK’s “Christmas in July” day in the City of St. Louis.

KEZK has been soliciting for donations throughout the month of July.  Listeners can make financial donations online through a “Virtual Food Drive” at KEZK.com or they can donate non-perishable canned goods in-person at any of the six area dealerships in the Dave Mungenast Automotive Family and participating Heartland Bank locations.  On the 25^th, KEZK will use its airwaves to remind listeners that the St. Louis Area Foodbank needs donations year-round, not just around the holidays.

KEZK Program Director Mark Edwards said “KEZK is St. Louis’ Christmas Station, and we talk about donating to charities like the Foodbank during the Holiday Season.  But for most charities, the demand for their services is year round.  We’ve been raising money and taking food donations all month long, and a day of Christmas music will help remind our listeners that, at least for the Foodbank, hunger knows no season.  The Foodbank needs donations now and every day of the year, not just at Christmas.”

Frank Finnegan, executive director of the St. Louis Area Foodbank commented, “We help feed families in need year round.  Unfortunately, hunger is not at the forefront of people’s minds during the summer months and donations decrease.  More than 80% of the children we serve rely on the federal school lunch program during the school year, and during the summer months we struggle to help families replace those meals until school begins again.  ‘Christmas in July’ is a major step in helping to alleviate this recurring problem, and KEZK and its listeners are providing much-needed gifts at a very important time.”

About CBS Radio:  KEZK-FM is owned and operated by CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States.  A division of CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO operates 144 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets.  CBS RADIO also owns and operates KYKY-FM and KMOX-AM in St. Louis.

About The St. Louis Area Foodbank:  The St. Louis Area Foodbank feeds hungry people by distributing food through its member agencies, and educates the public about the nature of and the solutions to the problems of hunger.  The Foodbank gathers and distributes nearly 13.4 million pounds of food each year to 500+ food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and emergency feeding programs throughout 14 counties in eastern Missouri and 12 counties in southwestern Illinois.