WBOB Raises More Than $1200 for Veterans in 3 Hour "Swear Jar" Event

​In one three-hour event, Rhode Island's 990WBOB.com shattered it's goal, raising a total of $1,218 for veterans in less than three hours during the station's signature veteran charity event, The 2nd Annual F-Bomb Friday: Cursing for a Cause.

​The event featured many high-profile veterans, musicians, politicians, and athletes, who called in to WBOB studios on Friday, May 20, to deliver a barrage of "F-Bombs" -- with each profanity equalling a $2 donation to the "swear jar." All proceeds from the event were donated to the benefit of 22Kill, which seeks to raise awareness to the suicide epidemic that is plaguing our country, and educate the public on mental health issues such as PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury.

"I am absolutely proud of the work our team at 990WBOB did to help raise funds for our brave men and women in need," said WBOB General Manager Adam Palazio. "I admire the work and efforts of 22Kill and am pleased that we are able to help contribute in some small way to their good work."

In addition to the high-profile contributors, much of the money was raised through WBOB's strong community of supporters.

The total money raised for the event had been just shy of the goal for a period of time, but a gracious pizza donation from Cranston's Cucina Rustica reinvigorated the WBOB volunteers, along with a generous cash donation from owner Gina Musto and executive chef Brian Nadeau. 

"It was amazing to us to see how many individuals chipped in a few dollars at a time to help such a worthwhile cause," said WBOB Director of Content Kevin Aherne. "It really does take the efforts of a community to affect change." 

About 22Kill

Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. started the #22KILL movement in 2013 after learning about the staggering statistic that an average of 22 veterans are killed by suicide every day. Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. (HCC) committed to researching and understanding the genesis of this epidemic, and educating the general public on the issue. #22KILL was a platform to raise awareness not just towards veteran suicide, but also to the mental health issues that can lead to suicide. These issues stem primarily from conditions such as PTS and TBI, and struggles of transitioning out of the military.

The solution is veteran empowerment. One of the biggest challenges veterans face is finding a sense of purpose after service. #22KILL directly supports HCC’s veteran empowerment programs that help veterans maximize their talents and understand their value outside of the military. #22KILL also continually provides support for other nonprofit organizations, community events and project.

In July 0f 2015, 22KILL officially became its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Although legally separated from HCC, both organizations continue to work closely together to continue the mission of awareness and empowerment.
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About 990WBOB.com

Founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 2007, 990WBOB.com is an all-encompassing digital media powerhouse in the New England market. An independent media outlet and two-time Providence Phoenix Best Blog Award winner, 990WBOB.com provides up-to-the-minute news, sports, politics and weather through its award-winning digital print and radio platform with more than 80,000 listeners in Rhode Island and availability in more than 200,000 homes nationwide.

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