On Monday, April 20, CBS Boston’s WBZ-TV and The Boston Athletic Association will help bring people together with an all-day fundraising effort, “A Patriots’Day of Giving,”to help raise funds and awareness for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. This effort will rally people in their homes with special Boston Marathon programming, including a rebroadcast of the 2014 and 2018 races as well as an airing of BOSTON: The Documentary, the definitive history of the world’s greatest race.
Proceeds of the day will help support the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, which helps support essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations across the state facing homelessness, food insecurity and loss of critical services as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Fund was conceptualized by the One8 Foundation.
“I am grateful to WBZ-TV for making this year’s Patriots Day into a day of giving,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Patriots Day is a special day, and while this year is going to be very different, I know that the people of our state will continue to step up so that we can come through this crisis stronger than ever before.”
“The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund will help us connect those who are most acutely impacted by this disease with the resources and services they need to get through this difficult time,” said Lauren Baker, First Lady of the Commonwealth of the Massachusetts. “Turning Patriots Day into a day of giving is a terrific idea, and I hope all individuals, businesses and foundations will consider contributing to this Fund. Every bit helps, and every donation will be used to help our communities.”
Programming will kick-off at 9:00 a.m. on WSBK-TV and CBSBoston.com, (New England only) with two of the greatest Boston Marathons ever run, the 2014 and 2018 races. At 8:00 p.s. on WBZ-TV and streaming on CBSN Boston, the definitive history of the world’s greatest race with BOSTON: The Documentary. Special guests will appear throughout the day offering messages of hope and inspiration. Viewers will be encouraged to donate throughout the day at MACOVID19ReliefFund.org.
“Patriots’Day in Massachusetts is a time honored tradition that brings everyone together around the Boston Marathon,” said Mark Lund, WBZ-TV President and General Manager. “With the race postponed and the need for everyone to stay home, this Patriots Day will have a very different feel. I hope you will join us, as we come together to support those in need. Be safe, be well and stay inside!”
“Every year, the Boston Marathon is supported by thousands of medical personnel and first responders from across Massachusetts. This year, we’re staying home to support them and will continue to take all efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. CEO. “Though the eight cities and towns that comprise the Boston Marathon may look different this Patriots’ Day, the spirit of the race will be ever-present as we unite to support the frontline workers.”
About CBS Boston/WBZ-TV
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