Our History
Food For The Hungry began as a food and money drive on WMVO radio to benefit Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army in 1982. Longtime WMVO morning show host Charlie Kilkenny started the drive with the help of his wife, Carol, and businesses at the Mount Vernon Shopping Plaza (now the Kroger Plaza). Charlie and Carol started the drive when a local factory closed shortly before Christmas and their neighbors were in need of food for the holidays. That first year, $1,600 and 7 truckloads of food were collected!
Mount Vernon Cablevision joined in sponsoring the drive the next year. In 1995, the drive grew into a partnership between the radio stations and other media (WNZR and Mount Vernon News), and added Mount Vernon Nazarene University (who sponsored a basketball tournament) and the accounting services of Nelson & Nelson one year later.
For many years, the drive was guided by a partnership between local businesses known as the Legacy Partners. Representatives from these partners guide the Executive Director - a community member dedicated to coordinating the many community volunteers and activities that make this drive a success. Food For The Hungry is MANY EVENTS AND COLLECTIONS hosted by community organizations and individuals. Each Drive Season culminates in a one-day simulcast (broadcast on radio and streaming online).
Today, FFTH is governed by a Board of Directors chosen for their passion and dedicated to this noble cause. Our staff has grown to include an Executive Director and a Marketing Director as our outreach continues to grow.
Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award
The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is given each year during the Food For The Hungry drive to a citizen of Knox County who exemplifies the spirit of community service, especially in regards to Food For The Hungry. The award is given in memory of Stephen Zelkowitz, former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision. As a community leader in various charitable events, Stephen led the Food For The Hungry initiative in Knox County along with Charlie Kilkenny.
Previous Recipients
2024
Lisa Mazzari
2023
JR Bonham
2022
Joe and Marcy Rinehart
2021
Kathy Lake
2020
Corby Wise, Joshua Worster, Joshua Morrison
2019
Cindi Doolittle
2018
Bob Tiell and family
2017
Roy and Glenda (in memory) Waldron (Bubbles and Banjo)
2016
John Feltman
2015
Patrick and Sandy Rhoton
2014
Matt Starr
2013
Dave Bevington
2012
Austin Swallow
2011
Sam McQueen
2010
Tim Hall and Don McDaniel
2009
Denny Irwin
2008
Kay Culbertson
2007
Dean and Audrey Spearman
2006
Sally Nelson
2005
Wayne Bower
2004
Ron Staats