Hungerthon hits record

The annual fundraising partnership between Ozarks Food Harvest and iHeartRadio Springfield brought in a record amount over the weekend.

The annual radiothon this year collected $254,910 for Ozarks Food Harvest's weekend backpack program that donates food to children, according to a news release. The fundraiser will provide weekend meals for 708 southwest Missouri kids during the school year.

“It’s been another great year to raise funds for kids facing hunger in the Ozarks,” said Clint Gerlek, vice president of programming for iHeartRadio and Hungerthon co-host, in the release. “We’re so proud to partner with a great organization like Ozarks Food Harvest to help families in our community get on the road to recovery.”

The fundraiser this year beat last year's Hungerthon total of roughly $253,000. Hungerthon is Ozarks Food Harvest's largest fundraiser.