“We would like to thank all those who donated to the Winneshiek County Food Closet. Your efforts to help our friends and neighbors here in Winneshiek County are greatly appreciated,” says Askelson.

The radio stations initially pledged $5000 and challenged the listeners and area businesses to help match the amount. The response was phenomenal. Within the first day over $15,000 was raised due to generous donations from the community. In total over $31,000 was raised in a little over a week’s time.

The American Red Cross, Wennes Communications, KVIK, KNEI & KHPP would like to thank all that helped raise this great gift for those who need it. Their effort shows the kindness and compassion this community possesses.

It started with a challenge to our listeners and blossomed into a multi-community effort.

Both KVIK 104.7 & KNEI 103.5 pledged matching funds up to $1000.00 each for the American Red Cross to help aid those affected by the tsunamis in southern Asia & eastern Africa. We challenged our listeners to match the money & the response was immediate. Both stations matched the $1000.00 with in an hour's time. We then received phone calls from area businesses & organizations each with monetary challenges to the listeners & other area businesses. South Winneshiek Schools joined the efforts by involving the students, faculty and FFA helping to raise $2410.00.

Thanks to the businesses, organizations and the tremendous support of area communities we helped raised $25,000.00 for the American Red Cross. Wennes Communications, KVIK & KNEI would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.

The money raised was presented to American Red Cross Representatives, Paula Womeldorf & Kristi Brockway on Monday, January 17th, 2005.