Radio stations raise $35K for Honor Flight of the Ozarks

Zimmer Midwest Communications Inc. listeners and sponsors donated $35,870 during a 12-hour Honor Flight of the Ozarks Radiothon on Friday.

Mike Totten, public relations director for Honor Flight of the Ozarks, said the money raised will support trips to Washington, D.C., for local veterans. He said it costs roughly $1,000 to send a veteran on the all-expenses-paid trip.

“The people of the Ozarks never cease to amaze us with their generosity, even in tough financial times,” Zimmer-Springfield News Director and Operations Manager Don Louzader said in a news release. “Our listeners and sponsors have come through in a major way for our veterans.”

Louzader said this was the first radiothon the Zimmer stations have held for the nonprofit. Participating stations were 93.3 KWTO, 98.7 The Dove, 101.3 Real Country and 96.9 The Jock.

On May 10, Honor Flight of the Ozarks completed its 17th trip to Washington, D.C., according to the release. Since its first flight in 2014, the nonprofit has flown 2,250 veterans to the nation’s capital to visit war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.

There are two more Honor Flights scheduled this year on Aug. 23 and Oct. 25.