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Date: 12/5/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to what it called “unprecedented” support from residents and businesses, Rock 102 celebrated the 30th year of its annual Mayflower Marathon food drive in historic fashion.
For three days leading up to Thanksgiving, Nov. 20-22, the morning show duo of Bax & Nagle broadcast for 52 hours while collecting non-perishable food donations for Open Pantry Community Services at MGM Springfield. All told, the station and its supporters helped fill nearly five trailer trucks and raised over $235,000 in food and monetary donations.
Rock 102’s Alex Byrne said, “This was the most successful year we’ve had by a long shot.”
The Springfield Thunderbirds later announced that it generated more than $15,000 toward this year’s efforts, including a $10,000 cash contribution and an additional $800 from White Lion Brewing Co. President Ray Berry from the proceeds of sales of Thunderboom IPA and burger sales at the brewery. The Thunderbirds hosted Mayflower Marathon Night on Nov. 22 following the conclusion of the drive.
“The Thunderbirds have been great partners with us,” Byrne said.
In 2022, the Mayflower Marathon raised $179,000 in food and monetary donations.
Byrne explained that they always try to improve upon the previous year. For instance, this was his 17th year being involved in the Mayflower Marathon and when he started, the goal was to fill two trailer trucks. This year, a fourth truck was added beforehand, but they ended up needing a fifth truck by the end of it.
Guests that were interviewed during this year’s marathon included Television Producer Mike Scully, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Trevor Ravin, comedians Tom Cotter and Kerri Louise and guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa.
Several guests stopped by in support of the marathon, including Mayor Domenic Sarno, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) and New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who made a $1,000 donation, Byrne shared.
In addition, the event had a stand-up comedy night and a celebrity bartending event, along with the Mayflower Marathon Night at the Thunderbirds to benefit Open Pantry.
The Open Pantry’s Emergency Food Pantry, located at 2460 Main Street in Suite 108 & 108B, has been in operation since 1975, serving individuals and families on an emergency basis. According to the organization, last year, it provided more than 475,000 pounds of food. Sixty-three percent of those served are families and almost 40% of the food distributed is for children.
The 2023 Mayflower Marathon was sponsored by MGM Springfield, Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation & Logistics, Affordable Waste Solutions, Arment Trucking, Camping World of West Hatfield, Xfinity, Jerome’s Party Plus and Manny’s Appliances, to name a few. A full list of sponsors can be found on Rock 102’s website, rock102.com/mayflower-marathon.