FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 106.9 and FM99 to host ’ Largest Food and Fund Drive The 24th Annual Mayflower Marathon Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 22

Classic Rock 106.9 The Fox (WAFX) and FM99 (WNOR) host the 24th Annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive from 5:30 a.m. Friday (11/20) until 3 p.m. Sunday (11/22).

This ’round-the-clock food drive takes place simultaneously on both sides of the water at four separate locations. On the Southside, the locations are: Pembroke Mall in Beach and Kroger Marketplace at 1017 University Blvd. in Suffolk. On the Peninsula, the locations are Kroger at 1050 W. Mercury Blvd. at Coliseum Central in Hampton and Kroger at 5007-2 Victory Blvd. in Tabb.

All food and monetary donations collected in Virginia Beach and Suffolk go to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. All donations made at the Hampton and Tabb locations benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

Rick Rumble and the entire FM99 team along with Mike Arlo and the Fox staff will be broadcasting live from the event. For complete details about the food drive, visit FM99.com or 1069theFox.com.

FM999/106.9 The Fox Operations Manager, Mike Beck: “Thanks to the generosity of our listeners, clients and partners, the 24th Annual Mayflower Marathon will provide well over a half a million meals to people in need, right here in Hampton Roads. 106.9 The Fox and FM99 are proud to partner with so many wonderful volunteers, community-oriented organizations, and companies. Thousands of people will benefit from the donations of food and money, and the hard work from the wonderful team at the local Foodbanks.”

“Due to factors related to the Coronavirus, food donations to the Foodbank are down 30% since March compared to the same period last year,” said Karen Joyner, CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “It’s important for us to keep a large supply of food available for our partners who help us distribute throughout the Peninsula. The Mayflower Marathon has always been a critical source for donated food, just in time for the holidays. No one should go hungry, especially during this time of year. We thank the community for thinking of those less fortunate and look forward to another successful event!”

“Against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges for our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24th Annual Mayflower Marathon will serve as a timely reminder of the generous spirit of our neighbors who are committed to joining in the effort to eliminate hunger," said Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, President & CEO, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. "Now more than ever, we are looking forward to partnering once again with our friends at FM99, 106.9 The Fox and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank to continue this year’s food and fund drive safely and efficiently so that our neighbors can provide food for their families during this holiday season.”

##

Contact:

WAFX and WNOR Mike Beck, Operations Manager 757-366-9900 Sonja Morrell, Marketing Director 757-366-9900

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore Jordan Fontenot, The KBD Group 757-292-8216; [email protected]

Virginia Peninsula Foodbank Donna Tighe, Director of Development 757-596-7188 x 135

About 106.9 The FOX (WAFX) and FM99 (WNOR) 106.9 The Fox (WAFX) and FM99 (WNOR) are owned by Saga Communications Inc. and serve the entire Hampton Roads region. FM99 was one of the first FM stations in the country and The Fox has been on the air in its current form for more than 30 years. As the area’s two premiere rock stations, The Fox () and FM99 () sponsor and participate in many community and military- oriented events throughout the year. Both stations boast some on air icons in their staff, such as Mike Arlo (The Fox) and Rick Rumble (FM99).

About the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore For almost 40 years, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided over 350 million meals to those in our community who face hunger. Through our programs, facilities, and large network of community partners, we “eliminate hunger” on a daily basis for many. However, we understand that our current work addresses hunger for individuals in the short term. It does not address the root causes which force individuals to return to a food pantry again and again. This understanding has led to the creation of a 3-year strategic plan aimed to move Hampton Roads closer to achieving the mission of eliminating hunger for those we serve—not only for the day, or for the week, but for a lifetime. For up-to- date information on the Foodbank, visit www.foodbankonline.org, Facebook, or Twitter. About the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank Since 1986, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has been providing hunger relief to the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Surry and York. With the support of 200 member agencies and programs, the organization has provided over 178 million meals in 34 years. The Foodbank is a proud member of Feeding America, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, and the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. Our vision is to inspire hope by leading the effort for a hunger free and properly nourished community. For more information, visit us online at www.hrfoodbank.org, on Facebook and on Twitter.