Category: News

FFTH’s Snowflake Gala is Quickly Approaching!

This year’s 15th Annual Snowflake Gala is shaping up to be something truly special. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with Amy Quinlivan, Co-Chair of the Gala Committee; Bruce Jacklin, this year’s William A. Stroud Jr. Award for Community Service honoree; and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food for the Hungry, to talk about everything guests can expect on Saturday, December 13th at Kenyon College’s Lowry Center.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The Gala’s theme—Old Hollywood—has everyone eager to bring a little vintage sparkle to the evening. Bruce in particular can’t wait to share a bit of the classic glamour he loves. Kathy added that the evening’s meal will be catered by Stuart Washington from the Knox County Career Center’s Culinary Arts Department. The menu was even planned with Bruce in mind—nothing too messy for a tux! And yes, dessert will definitely be worth saving room for.

Entertainment this year comes from the Knox Community Jazztet, returning after a wonderful performance last year. Bruce shared a bit about the musicians involved, while Amy walked through the evening’s agenda, which kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails. There will also be an Old Hollywood-style red carpet, wine throughout the evening, and a silent auction with some standout items.

Kathy emphasized how impactful the auction is: every $1 donated equals $4.56 of food purchasing power through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. She also took a moment to honor both long-time partners and individuals who have supported Food for the Hungry since its founding in 1982.

One of the highlights of this year’s Gala is honoring Bruce Jacklin, whose service to the community—and his founding of MTVArts in 2007—made him an easy and heartfelt choice for the Stroud Award. Bruce shared a touching story about William A. Stroud, reflected on how humbling the recognition feels, and talked about why community service continues to be such a driving force in his life.

Amy also highlighted the evening’s co-hosts, whom Bruce has known and mentored since their grade-school days on stage. Kathy offered gratitude for the many people who have shaped the event over the years, including some who are no longer here but remain part of the Gala’s legacy.

Tickets are available now—but only until Friday, December 5th—at FoodfortheHungryCares.org. Tables seat eight guests for $1,000, and donations can also be made online. Amy thanked the committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes, while Bruce reflected on how the Gala has evolved year after year. Kathy ended with a nod to the wine offerings and a heartfelt thank-you to the Career Center team for their continued support.

As always, this event comes back to one shared message: “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors.” Amy, Bruce, and Kathy all shared what that slogan means to them—and they hope to see you on December 13th to celebrate community, generosity, and a little Old Hollywood sparkle.

Click HERE for the the Food For The Hungry’s Snowflake Gala!

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!

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The KCCC Food for the Hungry Basket Auction 2025 Is Now Live!

Jim Riggle, the Principal of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center, recently chatted with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about this year’s big event.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jim has been involved with the basket auction for seven years and shared why it’s such a highlight for the community. The auction officially kicked off at midnight on Cyber Monday, and bidding will wrap up on December 12th.

  • Here is a complete list of the baskets up for bid during the auction!
    • Click HERE for Care Care 1 Basket
    • Click HERE for Care Care 2 Basket
    • Click HERE for the Downtown Date Night Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Family Fun Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Foodies Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Gallagher Center Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Hers basket.
    • Click HERE for the His Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Kid’s Electric Bicycle Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Lashley Training Center Memberships.
    • Click HERE for the Mohican Getaway Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Northern Getaway basket.
    • Click HERE for the OSU Basket.
    • Click HERE for Pork BBQ Basket 1
    • Click HERE for Pork BBQ Basket 2
    • Click HERE for the Wood Pellet (1 ton) Basket.

Jim Riggle shared some insights about the Food for the Hungry Basket Auction. He explained how easy it is to check your bids and get involved, and he made sure to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helps make the auction possible.

He also talked about why these baskets are such a big deal. They give students in different Career Center labs a chance to showcase their skills, gain hands-on experience, and have some fun in the process. Jim highlighted how incredible the students are and shared a special moment from the first Chance Application Night, where former students returned to make the evening truly memorable.

Wrapping up, Jim expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. He said he feels especially blessed this year and is excited to celebrate 44 years of the Food for the Hungry program. He also reflected on what FFTH’s slogan means to him, emphasizing the sense of community and shared purpose behind the auction.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!

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The Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction is now Underway!

If you’ve spent any time around Fredericktown during the holidays, you’ve probably heard the name Ann Trudell—and for good reason. She’s responsible for the Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk Online Auction, which is currently in full swing and runs through December 3rd and recently spoke with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Ann is also the one coordinating donations, which can be dropped off at the Fredericktown administration building between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Tuesday. This year’s auction features an impressive lineup of themed baskets packed with gift certificates, local services, and all kinds of surprises. Ann happily shares what’s inside and how everyone can get involved.

She also breaks down how the bidding works, how to check if you’ve won, and when winners can pick up their items. One of the best parts? All the money raised stays right here in Fredericktown, supporting community members who need a little extra help. It’s a fun, festive way to give back.

This year’s Christmas Walk theme is “Country Christmas,” and Ann gives a sneak peek at the events planned along the route. She’s especially excited to meet the auction winners—and she may have mentioned she’s looking forward to the food auction, too.

Ann also reflects on what being involved in the Christmas Walk means to her personally. She shares where everything will be located, the best places to park, and how to stay connected with all things Fredericktown throughout the season. And when asked what’s on her own Christmas list? In true Ann fashion: world peace, plus plenty of time with family and friends.

Click HERE to view all the items listed for Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction!

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“Once Upon a Holiday” Brings a Fairytale Winter to Downtown Mount Vernon

Downtown Mount Vernon is getting ready to sparkle—fairytale style. Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to share everything we can expect from this year’s Winter in Downtown theme: “Once Upon a Holiday.” Think whimsical storefronts, magical parade floats, and that cozy, storybook feeling that only small-town holidays can deliver.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Small Business Saturday: Shop Local, Find Treasures

The celebration kicks off with Small Business Saturday, which Lacey describes as part shopping event, part treasure hunt. The goal is simple: support the heart of Mount Vernon—our small businesses and local shop owners. Many stores downtown will be open and offering surprises throughout the weekend.

Sunday’s Holiday Parade & Downtown Festivities

Sunday’s schedule is packed with charm and activity.

  • The Holiday Parade begins at 4 PM, running north and ending at Public Square.
  • With 52 entries—including floats, trucks, and of course, horses—it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest parades yet.
  • Parade judges will be out selecting winners for several award categories, each supported by local sponsors.

For safety, visitors are asked not to park downtown due to the number of horses, vehicles, and people involved. The best viewing spots? South Main Street and around the Square.

Free Photo Booth Fun

From 1–6:30 PM, stop by the lower level of the Mount Vernon Grand for a free photo booth experience—complete with themed props provided by community sponsors. It’s a great chance to capture those holiday memories with friends and family.

Lighting of Public Square & Santa Sightings

Immediately after the parade—around 5 PM—the community will gather for the lighting of Public Square. Santa himself will help flip the switch to kick off the season.

You can also snag free photos with Santa:

  • Sunday, after the lighting ceremony until 7 PM
  • Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30–7 PM, both at the Mount Vernon Grand

If you’d like to give back, you can bring Food for the Hungry donations to designated collection points downtown. FFTH will also be represented with a parade float.

Festival of Lights Returns

Another much-loved tradition is back: the Festival of Lights.

  • Registration to participate is open until December 8.
  • Community voting happens December 12–14.
  • You can vote and view the full map of participating homes and displays at: experiencemv.org/2025-festival-of-lights.

Lacey also explained a few voting guidelines to keep things fair and fun for everyone.

Rain Plan

If Sunday’s parade gets rained out, it will be rescheduled to the following weekend. However, the lighting ceremony will still take place Sunday night, rain or shine.

A Look Ahead

Before wrapping up, Lacey shared gratitude for Experience Mount Vernon’s partners and team members whose work makes all these events possible. She also hinted at big things coming in 2026, including First Fridays and celebrations tied to America’s 250th birthday.

To stay connected, follow Experience Mount Vernon on social media or visit their website for updates, volunteer opportunities, and event announcements.

This season, Mount Vernon isn’t just celebrating the holidays—it’s stepping right into a storybook. And you’re invited to be part of every chapter.

Click HERE to learn more about Winter in Downtown!

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Traditions are a major Centerpiece of Thanksgiving!

From cheering on parade floats and football games to watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and cooking up family favorites, everyone has their own way of making Turkey Day feel special.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the WNZR staff thought it’d be fun to share some of their favorite traditions.

Click HERE to hear the staff’s traditions!

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

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Byron Saunders Foundation Helps Give Thanksgiving Meals to Families in Need

Ginny Williams talked with WNZR’s Eric Brown about the Byron Saunders Foundation and some of it’s history.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

It started in 2003 with only 20 meals and its grown so much. It started with the idea of just helping families have meals and it’s grown to be such a large part of Thanksgiving. It just started with people checking on neighbors and now it gone beyond that to a widespread to reach families and have a meal on Thanksgiving.

Ginny talks about how families can get a meal for Thanksgiving. All you have to do is either call or text to get a full boxed meal and certificate to get meats for Thanksgiving by calling 740-324-9503 to help get signed up.

The last pickup for the year is this Saturday, November 22nd at their new facility at Habitat for Humanity in Mount Vernon.

She also talks about ways you can help support their work through donations and volunteering. The Knox County community has been very supportive, and they’ve been so blessed with smaller groups who’ve done food drives with a small list of things they need for their meal boxes. They sell tickets at the Knox County Fair and she explains how the community helps with that as well as other fundraisers run to help them as well as the Food for the hungry who helps support them as well as so many others.

She also thanks Habitat for Humanity and their help by giving them a permanent location and they’re so thankful for having a location and not having to go from place to place to try to keep working all year. She’s so thankful for the community support to keep this foundation working.

She talks about the goals for the community to end the season, they need volunteers for the ticket booth at the Knox County fairgrounds. If you see something for their foundation, put some nonperishable food in there like cans, or call their number.

They have food that needs to be delivered for them if you have time to help them and helping people who can’t go to get their turkey.

Click HERE to find out more about the Byron Saunders Foundation.

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WNZR Alumni Celebrate 39th Anniversary!

Alumni showed their love for WNZR and its ministry to the Knox County Community Saturday as they returned for our 39th anniversary!

Click HERE to hear all the conversations!

Some turned radio into a profession while others used the tools they learned to help them in the professional world outside the communications industry.

It was heartwarming to hear how this radio station and its ministry have impacted their lives.

Even the man who made sacrifices to help start WNZR, Bill Bridges (pictured with Joe and Marcy Rinehart) gave a short testimony.

Others who stopped by:

  • Ben Alexander
  • Dana Hicks
  • Doug Speicher
  • Grayson Willis
  • Jane Mikulec
  • MacKenzie Holder
  • Mia Reid
  • NayNay Parker
  • Ray Bridges (Bill’s son)
  • Victor Veigel
  • Zoe Middaugh

Click HERE to check out WNZR’s website!

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Psi Iota Xi Launches Elementary School Campaign for FFTH!

Debbie Ruggles, who is Executive Director of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce is also involved with the group Psi Iota Xi.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

She talks about the group which is a women’s philanthropic organization and focuses on helping others in the area.

They got involved with Food For The Hungry because their mission closely aligns with the groups mission, so it was a natural fit.

Debbie says they are organizing the Food For the Hungry’s Elementary School drives. The drive is underway through November 21st. She says students can bring canned food and non-perishable food items. They are also accepting monetary donations.

Debbie explains why the food collection is incredibly important at this time of the year due to massive increased food costs. She says every food items or donation will stay in Knox County.

She says there are rewards for top collectors and the top class will receive a pizza party and top individual student from each school will be featured on FFTH Live on December 12th!

Debbie also thanks all the teachers, administration, staff and especially the students and parents who encourage the students to donate.

Debbie Ruggles talks about the purchasing power of monetary donations. She says for every dollar donated, Food For The Hungry organizers can buy $4.56 at the Mid-Ohio Collective.

She says that every can, non-perishable food item, and dollar helps those in need in Knox County.  

She asks that students and parents reach out to their family and friends to help each student donate to the drive.

Debbie also talks about what Food For The Hungry’s slogan, “Working together to care for our neighbors” means to her.

She says Psi Iota Xi is bringing back their tea fundraiser in late spring.

Click on THIS link for their Facebook page and THIS link for the organization’s website!

Click HERE for Food For The Hungry!

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Tony Montgomery Takes on Two Roles in Orange Barrel’s “The Little Princess”

Tony Montgomery from Orange Barrel Productions plays two parts in the play The Little Princess, Captain Crewe and Mr. Carrisford.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

He tells our Marcy Rinehart how he got into theater starting in 1999. He has also been in 50 productions including Orange Barrel starting in 2007 as well as other MTV Arts productions including Beauty and the Beast.

Tony explains how he has been preparing for both roles including using some of his real-life experiences into the characters.

He says that he likes both characters because they both want to help Sara.

He also explains what he will be wearing in the production as both characters.

He adds that both characters are portrayed a little differently than other similar productions.

He also explains how vital wardrobe can be to not only the audience but the actor or actress who need to get into character.

Tony gives some insight into the back story of the play. He says that Sara was a little princess growing up then faces some adversity and drops to a lower level of society.

Tony says that it has been interesting seeing the different castes that were a part of society at the time the play is set.

He says that his favorite memory in this show (and most shows) that the cast effectively becomes a family. He says it has been a treat to see the young cast members grow personally.

He says people should come see the Little Princess because at its core it is a story about making the most out of a bad situation with a positive attitude.

Click HERE for information and to buy tickets for the performances!

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KCCC Launches T-Shirt Fundraiser for Food For the Hungry!

Knox County Career Center Teachers and Project Advisors Cassie Gray and Amy Rine joins student Carter Dickerson and to talk about their T-Shirt Fundraiser to support Food For The Hungry.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

Carter says that they do this event every year and Amy explains why the students decided to help Food for The Hungry. Amy says its really important to give back to the community and support those in need.

Cassie talks about their theme “Believe there is Good in the World (Be the Good) and why they decided to use that theme. 

Carter says they have crewneck sweatshirts ($25) and t-shirts ($15) in olive green and cardinal red and sizes range from Extra Small to 4-XL.

Amy says shirts are on sale November 20th. The shirts will ship December 10th and should arrive by the Food For The Hungry broadcast on December 12th.

Cassie says the student officers have really managed the program. They met earlier this year, picked the theme and the high school staff helped select the colors. The students also sell the shirts during the lunch period.

The students will also be volunteering the KCCC Open House and in student competitions in December.

Click HERE to view their store!

Click HERE for the Food For The Hungry website!

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