Seeley-Swan High School senior Gabby Sexton is collecting donations to help 94.9 KYSS FM raise more money during their KYSSMAS for Kids event. She hopes it will also raise awareness for Seeley Lake businesses to everyone who tunes in for the event.
SEELEY LAKE – Seeley-Swan High School senior Gabby Sexton has teamed up with KYSSMAS For Kids for her senior project. Her goal is to help the Missoula radio station 94.9 KYSS FM approach all the Seeley Lake businesses asking for donated auction items to raise more money to support children at Christmas and help promote Seeley Lake.
KYSSMAS for Kids is a 13-hour, on-air auction Dec. 1. The live, call-in event features items from hotel packages to car detailing to memorabilia with all of the proceeds going to the kids' shopping trip before Christmas. Children are selected from Missoula and surrounding areas, including Seeley Lake, to receive a $50 gift card to spend before Christmas. Each child and their family will also receive tickets to Townsquare Media Missoula's annual Kidabaloo event Dec. 16.
During the past 20 years the auction has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and has allowed as many as 600 kids per year to participate. Last year they raised nearly $16,500.
Sexton has volunteered with KYSSMAS For Kids the past two years.
"It is controlled chaos and it's a lot of fun. It's really fun to see how many people really want to help out kids," said Sexton.
While Seeley Lake businesses have participated in the past, Sexton is approaching all the major businesses to participate. Not only will the business name and item be mentioned on the air and available to view on the website kyssfm.com, business owners also have the opportunity to go on the air either by calling in or going to the station.
"I think it would be valuable because businesses are recognized on the radio and if someone's kid benefits from this event and they heard that [a Seeley Lake business] supported it, they might be more likely to shop there and support Seeley Lake businesses a little more," said Sexton.
In addition to collecting items for the auction, Sexton will work the event Dec. 1 in Missoula, document her hours and write a research paper for her senior project.
"It is really good to help out the kids that would not normally have anything for Christmas. It's important for little kids to have that joy during Christmas."
If businesses would like to donate, contact Sexton by calling 406-210-5827 or email gibzz43@gmail.com by Nov. 26. She will pick up items for the auction and bring them to Missoula. KYSS FM can also be reached by emailing kyssmas@kyssfm.com or calling 406-728-9300. All donations are tax deductible through United Way.
Reader Comments(0)