WYXL Lite Rock 97.3 Raises $11,710 During 2026 Wine & Dine Radiothon for United Way of Tompkins County 

 

ITHACA, NY — The annual Wine & Dine Radiothon hosted by WYXL Lite Rock 97.3 once again brought the community together, raising $11,710 for the United Way of Tompkins County during its 2026 broadcast. 

For the 13th year, for 13 hours, and this year on Friday the 13th, “Dave & Jen in the Morning” aired a live radiothon pairing local restaurants, wineries, cideries, and breweries to raise funds. The event featured hourly on-air auctions and listener song dedications. 

Throughout the day, listeners bid on exclusive “Wine & Dine” packages donated by area restaurants, wineries, breweries, and cideries. Each hourly auction pairing included dining experiences, beverage packages, and specialty items, all benefiting United Way programs serving Tompkins County residents. 

“We are proud to host this event,” said morning co-host Dave Ashton. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase what local radio is all about…true connections between listeners, advertisers, and the community we’re all part of.” 

WYXL co-host Jen Mattison added, “The medium of radio brings music and emotion together. I love that listeners feel what we feel…and that creates the opportunity to truly make an impact within our community.” 

Proceeds from the Radiothon directly support United Way initiatives, funding programs that address critical needs such as education, financial stability, and health services across the region. 

This year’s total of $11,710 brings the event’s cumulative fundraising impact to more than $160,000 since its inception. 

“It’s wonderful to have caring media partners like Cayuga Media Group…and specifically Lite Rock 97.3, Dave, and Jen,” said Gail Belokur, Chief Development & Operating Officer of the United Way of Tompkins County. “They care deeply about the people of our region and consistently use their platform for good. Each year, it grows more impressive.” 

The Wine & Dine Radiothon continues to highlight the powerful partnership between local radio, community businesses, and charitable giving, demonstrating how collective support can create meaningful change across Tompkins County. 

 

About WYXL Lite Rock 97.3 

WYXL Lite Rock 97.3 is an Ithaca-based adult contemporary radio station serving Central New York as part of Cayuga Media Group. The station is committed to community engagement through local programming, events, and charitable initiatives and is proud to be part of Saga Communications.