LEXINGTON, Ky. – (Nov. 15, 2022) Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) selected WDKY FOX56, as their 2022 Philanthropist of the Year during the National Philanthropy Day celebration. The station, owned and operated by Nexstar Media Group, was recognized for leading fundraising efforts to help families devastated by historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky in July 2022. This annual event is hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

“We are grateful for partners like Monte Costes who advocate for community engagement for the station and truly believes in making a difference,” said Tina Bryson, CAP’s director of communications. “We were blown away by their generosity of time and talent to spotlight the magnitude of the disaster and the hundreds of families who were impacted.” 

Costes, vice president and general manager of WDKY, coordinated more than 30 Nexstar television stations across the country to participate in a 10-day fundraising drive to assist victims affected by the flooding. This included the creation of 30-minute special highlighting the impact of the floods and detailing the needs. Additional information was provided to all 200 Nexstar stations. The unified campaign amplified the need in the region contributing to more than $300,000 raised to help families facing overwhelming circumstances. This was capped off with a $25,000 donation to CAP from the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation to support flood relief and recovery efforts in the 13 counties impacted. Nexstar Media Inc. is America’s largest local television and media company. 

“This selfless act of kindness allowed CAP to advance our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ's love through service in Appalachia,” Bryson added. “The team at FOX56 are community champions and embrace the importance of giving back and making a difference in the lives and interests of the communities they serve. FOX 56 has, in a very short time, become a valued and trusted partner of CAP and a philanthropic leader in the Commonwealth.” 

National Philanthropy Day celebrates the extraordinary change that fundraising and philanthropy have helped to create in our world. As part of National Philanthropy Day, individuals and organizations, like WDKY FOX56, are honored for their outstanding charitable work in their local communities.