Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation and WCIA-TV Donate $5,000 To “Operation Honor Guard” in Champaign, IL
IRVING, TX (Aug. 5, 2020) – The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation announced today it will donate $5,000 to “Operation Honor Guard” in Champaign, IL, on behalf of WCIA-TV, the Nexstar Broadcasting television station serving the Champaign-Springfield, IL, area (DMA #88). Operation Honor Guard was founded in 2013, and its mission is to raise awareness about the importance of military honor guards and to help fund uniforms for veterans who perform at military funerals.
Operation Honor Guard was created by Champaign businessman Rich Darby, who noticed that many of the honor guards performing duties at local military funerals could not afford new uniforms. Others were paying for new uniforms out of their own pockets. Operation Honor Guard has an annual fundraiser, which has traditionally served as its primary source of monetary support; however, this year’s fundraiser has been cancelled. WCIA has long been a supporter of Operation Honor Guard, helping the organization raise more than $166,000 in 2019 alone.
“Operation Honor Guard is extremely important to the families and friends of veterans who have passed away, and to those veterans who perform at military funerals,” said Sharon Rachal, Vice President and General Manager of WCIA-TV. “Military honor guards are a way for all of us to show respect for our veterans, honor their service to the nation, and provide a measure of comfort for their families. WCIA has a long association with Operation Honor Guard we are honored to help with this donation of $5,000. Giving back to the communities served by Nexstar in 114 markets across the country is core to the company’s mission and we are proud to make this donation on behalf of WCIA-TV, Nexstar Media Group, and all of Nexstar’s 13,000 employees.”
Commenting on the donation, Rich Darby, Founder of Operation Honor Guard said, “We are grateful to the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation for their generosity in such uncertain times. When many have scaled back their donations, Nexstar stepped up to the plate and donated $5,000 when we needed it the most. With so many people struggling financially, we had decided not to do our annual fundraiser this year. We knew that there would be those entities that would come to our rescue. Nexstar never ceases to amaze us—they have been our voice over the airwaves and a great partner for many years. But, with this donation they have shown their true commitment to our veterans and to Operation Honor Guard at a time when we can really use the extra financial assistance.”
The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation’s mission is to contribute to and work with public charities and non-profit organizations to improve the communities in which Nexstar Media and its subsidiaries do business. The foundation was originally established in 1958 and it makes donations of approximately $350,000 annually.
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About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs, or provides sales and other services to 196 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 114 markets or approximately 38% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC’s UHF discount). Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv.
Nexstar Media Contact:
Gary Weitman
EVP & Chief Communications Officer
312/222-3394
gweitman@nexstar.tv