Contact: Morgan Sharar-Stoppel 312.222.5098 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WGN RADIO TORNADO FUNDRASIER RAISES MORE THAN $554,000 IN 24 HOURS With McCormick Foundation Match over $800,000 to be granted

CHICAGO, Illinois (December 3, 2013) – In response to the widespread damage of the November 17 storms throughout Illinois, WGN Radio partnered with McCormick Foundation, WGN-TV and Tribune to host the Illinois Tornado Relief Effort on Tuesday, November 26. The fundraising initiative took place over a 24-hour period, with WGN Radio hosts rallying listeners to donate to the newly established Illinois Tornado Relief Effort, a campaign of the McCormick Foundation.

WGN Radio listeners, in addition to major donations from Medline Industries Inc., Cadence Health, Wintrust Financial Corporation and the FDC Foundation, contributed to a total of $554,087 raised. The McCormick Foundation matched the first $500,000 raised at 50 cents to the dollar, providing an additional $250,000 in funds and bringing the total amount available to grant to $804,087.

“The Illinois Tornado Relief Effort continues the WGN Radio tradition of reacting quickly to take care of our listeners in need,” said Jimmy de Castro, President & General Manager of WGN Radio. “It’s also another example in a long list of generous giving from the Chicago community. We thank our partners at the McCormick Foundation, WGN TV, and the as well as generosity of our listeners, viewers, and readers for helping rebuild the lives of those impacted by the devastating storms.”

David Hiller, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation said, “People in these communities will need assistance in addressing their long-term needs. These funds provide families with more than just the physical resources to rebuild their lives. We’re able to offer them hope on the road to recovery.”

All $804,087 will be granted directly to nonprofit agencies providing disaster relief and recovery efforts to those communities hit hardest by the storms with the first round of grants being distributed by the end of 2013. Fundraising for this effort will continue through December 31, 2013. Only monetary donations are accepted.

There are three ways to donate:

1. Online: www.wgnradio.com

2. Call the toll-free phone number: 1-800-931-5707

3. Mail a check payable to: Illinois Tornado Relief McCormick Foundation Processing Center 23912 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1239

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Robert R. McCormick Foundation is committed to fostering communities of educated, informed and engaged citizens. Through philanthropic programs, and museums, the Foundation helps develop citizen leaders and works to make life better in our communities. The McCormick Foundation has conducted multiple disaster relief campaigns for the September 11th Attacks, Hurricane Katrina, southern California wildfires, 2008 Midwest flooding and, most recently, Hurricane Sandy. The Foundation has a tested process in place to ensure quick relief, which is vital after disaster situations. To learn more about the McCormickFoundation visit www.McCormickFoundation.org.

WGN Radio 720, the 2013 IBA Chicago Market Station of the Year, has been dedicated for 89 years to being the #1 source of Chicagoland news, information, entertainment and sports. WGN Radio is the official broadcaster of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Blackhawks and . Along with its 50,000 watt signal that covers Chicago and the Midwest, listen online at wgnradio.com, on your WGN Radio smartphone app, iHeartRadio or TuneIn – details at www.wgnradio.com/listen. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wgnradio and follow us on Twitter @WGNRadio.