WISN 12 Hosts Record-Breaking ‘Virtual Food for Families Drive’

MILWAUKEE, WIS. (December 1, 2020) – For the ninth consecutive year, WISN 12 and Hunger Task Force have partnered for the ‘Food For Families’ campaign. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2020 fundraising event was conducted exclusively online. This year, the ‘Virtual Food For Families Drive’ raised a record-shattering $301,002 for local families who need extra food support this season.

“A huge ‘thank you’ to all who donated. We’re so impressed by the generosity of our community,” says Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Especially during the pandemic when times are challenging for so many people, viewers across southeastern Wisconsin really stepped up to help those who need it most.”

The ‘Virtual Food For Families Drive’ was held from Wednesday Nov. 11, 2020 through Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020. During those two weeks, WISN 12 devoted coverage both on-air and online to promote donations through the campaign website, where donors could “shop” on the website and fill their virtual cart with specific items to help feed hungry families.

“We would also like to extend an extra special thanks to Rexnord which offered a $17,985 matching donation, and Wells Fargo Advisors which offered a $20,000 match during the campaign” adds Wade. “From community members to the companies embedded in our neighborhoods, the spirit of giving is so strong in Milwaukee and our surrounding areas.”

The previous fundraising record was set in 2018, when $198,141 was raised during the traditional ‘Food For Families Phone Bank.’ Since 2012 the partnership between WISN 12 and Hunger Task Force has raised nearly $2,000,000 thanks to generous viewers in our area who have helped provide food for local families over the holidays.

About WISN 12 and Hearst Television

WISN 12, the ABC station in Milwaukee, is owned by Hearst Television Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation.  Hearst Television owns and operates local television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more.  Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.  Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.  The Company’s Web address is www.hearsttelevision.com.