Surpassing $ 900,000 over the Past 12 Years
By HARRY HURLEY
Political Columnist
Shore Local Newsmagazine
With two of our major 2019 charity events now in the rear-view mirror, I am pleased to report that cumulatively, the “Hurley in the Morning” Charity has had a record year.
Regarding our 11th Annual Charity Dinner at Resorts Casino Hotel (with Fox News All-Star Todd Starnes) and our 12th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Golf Open, held this past Friday, June 21, 2019 at The Harbor Pines Golf Club; the “Hurley in the Morning” Charity has raised a record $ 100,000 thus far in 2019.
Our growth as a local-based charity has been such a great joy to be a part of. The incredible generosity of our wonderful community has enabled us to raise more than
$ 900,000 over the past 12 years.
I have so many people to thank. First, my employer, Townsquare Media; our Market President Michael Ruble and WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM & 1450 AM Program Director, Chris Coleman.
Their support has been unconditional. They have faithfully and unconditionally placed trust in me and have operated under a philosophy of “Let Harry be Harry,” which has enabled us to raise considerable dollars for important not-for-profit organizations throughout our Region and state. I am so grateful for this.
During our 27-plus years on-air, Townsquare Media has donated hundreds of hours of airtime for our Hurley in the Morning Charity and have always generously donated valuable items for our Silent Auctions. We could not have possibly accomplished what we have done without Townsquare Media, Michael, Chris, Jennifer Smith, our Director of Marketing and Jennifer Costabile.
I also must extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Michael Harrison, the Founder and Publisher of Talkers Magazine; The Bible of Talk Radio and The New Talk Media.
I cannot overstate what Michael has meant for my career over the past 6 years. I have affectionately nicknamed Michael Harrison, “The Babe Ruth” of talk radio in America. The mentor ship and national recognition that Michael has provided to me has helped us to grow in ways that never would have happened otherwise.
Michael Harrison has found a place for us for the past five years on the “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America. The national attention that this has garnered us is beyond any measure.
I want to also thank Fox News Radio Senior Vice President John Sylvester and Todd Starnes for selecting us to serve as a fill-in, on-air personality for Fox News Radio on all of their nationally syndicated platforms.
There is no doubt that having the privilege to serve in this capacity has materially helped us to grow (professionally) and therefore directly helps us to raise more money for hundreds of charities that we regularly provide grants.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to two great friends, Brian Kilmeade and Todd Starnes. During our 2018 and 2019 Annual Charity Dinners; we raised more than
$ 75,000 with Brian and Todd.
I want to thank all of our friends, listeners, readers and advertisers for their incredible support and generosity over our many years together. We also have such an amazing team of volunteers who work very hard during our annual charity dinner and golf tournament:
Margie Hurley, Kristin Hurley, Lauren Hurley, Rob Hurley, Jon Baker, Andrew Lauriello, Karen McDonald, Don Hurley, Skip Granese, Gail Marrandino, Kathy McFadden, Gayle Collins, Lisa Saitz, Lisa Fineran Hornig, Joseph Huntenburg, George Tibbitt, Bonnie Taylor, Beth Epstein and Frank Kruk.
Our Banner Presenting Sponsors, Joseph and Barbara Duncan, owners and operators of Integrity Transportation have been so important regarding our overall success.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to our fabulous friends and partners at Resorts Casino Hotel: Mark Giannantonio, Jean Price, Ed Batten, Bill Schmal, Ed Hannen Eva Campbell, Joan Evans and so many others. They have made it possible for us to take our annual charity dinner to an all new high level, in terms of relevance and results.
Our next Charity dinner will be held on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Resorts Casino Hotel. Our featured Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker will be Tom Cantone.
Tom Cantone has been one of my dearest friends in life for more than 40 years. We both worked for President Donald Trump and we’ve never lost touch with one another. We’re really Brothers and not friends.
Tom created a special “club” about 40 years ago called: Friends for Life (FFL). Tom inducted me into his club and I’m the richer for it in every way.
Our 12th Annual Charity Dinner & Silent Auction is confirmed for Friday, April 17, 2020 at Resorts Casino Hotel in The Ocean Ballroom.
We are so honored that Tom Cantone, Sr. Vice President, Mohegan Sun Casino Resorts will serve as our Guest of Honor & Keynote Speaker. Simply put, Tom Cantone is the most successful senior executive for entertainment, sports, marketing, public relations and advertising in American hotel casino history.
Tom is the author of “Book ‘Em.” It is a great read of all of the amazing performers that Tom has booked over the past more than 40 years. Each of dinner guests will receive a copy of Tom’s fabulous book and have the opportunity to attend a private Meet & Greet and have their book autographed by Tom on Friday, April 17, 2010 at Resorts Casino Hotel.
We’re going to set a record for our annual charity dinner this night. I just know it! I can’t wait!
I also want to share a very personal and professional thank you to Mr. Paul Rotella, Esquire. Paul is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.
Paul has provided me with great counsel, mentor ship, brotherhood and has supported our career in broadcasting in every way possible.
We are very transparent in terms of where our generous contributors dollars go. Here is just a partial listing of those who have received grants from the “Hurley in the Morning” Charity over the years as follows:
After more than twelve years, because of the unselfish commitment and support of our great community, we have raised more than $900,000, which has enabled us to provide much-needed grants to wonderful not-for-profit charities.
We have made substantial donations to:
The Shore Medical Center Foundation ($ 50,000 for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 … and, $ 110,000 total over the past 11 years); The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for designated Drivers 80,000 over the past 12 years); Stockton University Foundation
More than $ 30,000); FACES 4 Autism (More than $ 40,000 over the past 12 years); Atlantic City Aquarium ( More than $ 15,000 over the years); Hometown Heroes ($ 2,500); Cookie Till’s “A Work in Progress” ($ 2,500); The Tara Miller Foundation
($ 6,000 for 2015-2019); The Philadelphia Broadcasters Association ($ 2,500, with more than $ 10,000 over the years); The New Jersey Broadcasters Association ($ 18,000 2014 through 2019); The Broadcasters Foundation of America ($ 7,000 from 2016-2019); Atlantic City Sandpipers ($ 11,000 from 2010-2019); Atlantic Prevention Resources ($ 1,500); Atlantic County Toys 4 Kids ($ 1,000); Atlantic City High School Hall of Fame ($ 5,000); The Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association ($ 6,000 over the past 6 years); The Fund for Cape May ($ 500); Lucy The Elephant ($ 500); Absecon Presbyterian Church ($ 2,500 over the past 4 years); Atlantic Shore Babe Ruth 13 & Under ($ 1,500 over the past 4 years); Gilda’s Club South Jersey ($ 8,000 over the past 9 years), Atlantic City Rescue Mission ($ 100), Cape Assist ($ 250); The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ($ 240); Lyrics for Life ($ 240); Liberty & Prosperity ($ 100); April Kauffman/War Fighter Sports
($ 4,000 during the past 4 years); EHT High School (Spring Trip); Every Breath Counts ($ 300); MBCA ($ 250 per-year); Chuck’s 3 on 3 Charity ($ 500); The Connelly Northfield Mile ($ 200); The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City ($ 500) and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlantic City ($ 500); The Chief Arthur Brown Scholarship Foundation ($ 500); Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ($ 500); Deborah Heart Foundation ($ 1,000 on 2/26/17); South Jersey Basketball Officials ($ 500); StopTheHeroin.org ($ 250); The Fund for Cape May ($ 500); Gilda’s Club South Jersey ($ 1,000); Chuck’s 3 on 3 Charity ($ 500); Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation ($ 1,000); Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation ($ 500); Northfield Mile ($ 200); Broadcasters Foundation of America ($ 1,000); Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty ($ 1,000); John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers ($ 1,500); FACES 4 Autism ($ 1,000); Shore Medical Foundation ($ 10,000); Chief Arthur Brown Scholarship Foundation ($ 500); Stockton University Foundation ($ 1,000); Atlantic County Toys 4 Kids ($ 1,000); Atlantic County 4H ($250); Atlantic City Aquarium ($ 1,000); Holy Spirit High School ($ 1,000); United Way Atlantic County ($ 1,000); Atlantic County Institute of Technology ($ 1,000); Atlantic City Rescue Mission ($ 1,000); HERO Campaign ($500); Mays Landing Athletic Association – MLAA ($ 500); Atlantic Shore Babe Ruth ($ 500); Atlantic Prevention Resources ($ 500); Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation ($ 250); Liberty & Prosperity ($ 250); Cape Assist ($ 250); VFW – SportClips Help a Hero ($ 250); ($ HERO Campaign $ 250; Pleasantville Police Foundation ($ 100); New Jersey Broadcasters Association ($ 1,000); Hope Foundation ($ 500); Diabetes Training Camp ($ 250); Patrick’s Cathedral ($ 100); Heart of Surfing ($ 500); Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation ($ 1,000); St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ($ 250); FACES 4 Autism ($ 1,000); MBCA ($ 450); Operation Empowerment, Kaitlyn Schoeffel ($ 250); NJ FFA Association: Blue Jackets – Bright Futures ($ 350); Absecon Presbyterian Church ($ 1,000); Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia ($ 2,000); 18th Annual Be A HERO Golf Tournament – Golf Twosome Option One ($ 1,000); Atlantic City Ballet ($ 250); Atlantic City High School Hall of Fame ($ 1,000); Atlantic City Rotary Club ($ 100); Atlantic City Ballet ($ 250); Gilda’s Club – South Jersey ($ 1,000); Cookie Till’s “A Work in Progress” Foundation ($ 500); Atlantic City High School track Booster Club; The Connelly Northfield Mile ($ 250); Broadcasters Foundation of America ($ 2,000); American Legion Post # 352 ($ 500); Absecon Lighthouse ($ 1,000); Patcong Creek Foundation ($ 1,000); The Alcove Center ($ 500); Atlantic County Toys 4 Kids ($ 1,000); Atlantic City Sandpipers ($ 1,000); Cakert Family – Chuck’s 3 on 3 ($ 2,000); Tara Miller Cancer Foundation ($ 3,000); Shore Medical Center Health Foundation ($ 15,000); Camp Pals ($ 1,500); Atlantic County Institute of Technology ($ 1,000); American Legion Riders – Post 352 ($ 1,000); Atlantic Prevention Resources ($ 2,000); Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation ($ 500); Stockton University Foundation – Joan Fineran Nursing Scholarship ($ 1,000); New Jersey Broadcasters Association ($ 1,000); Holy Spirit High School ($ 1,000); Atlantic Shore Babe Ruth ($ 500); Atlantic Prevention Resources – Linzner Memorial ($ 500); Atlantic City Rescue Mission – Summer Gala 2018 ($ 500); Fresh Start Church – EHT ($ 500); Josh Vadell Foundation ($ 500); United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey ($ 500); American Legion Riders – Post 352 ($ 500); Deborah Heart Foundation – Red Tie Gala ($ 1,000); Guatemala Dentistry Project – Mayan Medical Aid, Inc. ($ 500); Miss America Foundation ($ 500); MBCA ($ 250); Lucy The Elephant ($ 250); Atlantic Christian School – Haiti Mission ($ 250); Crime Stoppers of Atlantic County ($ 500); Chief Arthur Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund ($ 500); Patcong Creek Foundation ($ 3,500) – to Fund the new radio and television studio at their new Science Center; Egg Harbor Township Dog Park ($ 500); St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Partner of Hope ($ 250); Philadelphia 76ers Youth Foundation – 4th Annual Gala ($ 500); John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers ($ 1,000); Stockton University 39th Annual Gala ($ 1,000); Gilda’s Club South Jersey ($ 1,000); Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties ($ 250); Saint Nicholas Greek Church – Atlantic City ($ 250); Atlantic City High School Hall of Fame ($ 1,000); Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City ($ 1,000); Stockton University – Joan Fineran Nursing Scholarship; New Jersey State Federation of Womens Clubs ($ 250); Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia – for 2 Stockton University student scholarships ($ 2,500); Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation – Paddle for a Cause ($ 500); Our Lady Star of the Sea School ($ 1,000); Broadcasters Foundation of America ($ 3,000); Greater Egg Harbor Township Public Schools Foundation ($ 2,000); New Jersey Broadcasters Association ($ 5,000); Our Lady Star of the Sea ($ 1,000); Northfield Connolly Mile ($ 250); Mayan Medical Aid, Inc. – Guatemala Dentistry ($ 500); Atlantic City High School Track Team ($ 500); HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers ($ 2,000); Atlantic County Toys for Kids ($1,000); FACES 4 Autism ($ 2,000); Crimestoppers of Atlantic County ($ 1,000); Diabetes Training Camp ($ 1,000); Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation ($ 1,000); Atlantic City Sandpipers Pipes & Drums ($ 1,000).
We will be awarding thousands of dollars more in grants over the next few weeks ahead.
This is the great joy of my professional career; having the opportunity to give back, as together we facilitate the awarding of much-needed grants to so many wonderful not-for-profit organizations in our community.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have made our charitable results possible.
Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program “Hurley in the Morning” 6-10 a.m., weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 104.1 FM & 1450 AM, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant. Harry was elected to both the Philadelphia (2013) and New Jersey (2015) Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Harry Hurley has also been selected (2015-2018) as one of the Top 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America by Talkers Magazine. Hurley is the inaugural recipient of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association “Broadcaster of the Year” (2019). Hurley is also performing national fill-in, on-air talent work for FOX News Radio on their nationally syndicated platforms. He has hosted various programs for local television and is the editor and publisher of his news and information website,www.harryhurley.com. Send comments to HarryHurley@aol.com
