News of an economy in crisis did not stop tens of thousands of Americans from generously responding last Wednesday to appeals from Compassion International and nearly 1,000 Christian radio stations asking for help to feed the world's poorest families during the global food crisis.

From California to New York, Christian radio stations flooded the air waves on March 11, designated as Global Food Crisis Awareness Day by Compassion International, with one simple message: "Thousands of children are dying needlessly of hunger every day, and you can do something about it." More than 27,000 listeners responded by giving beyond the $1 million goal of event planners – $3.1 million. Some highlights of the day include the following:

• The Fish (Salem Broadcasting) in Nashville featured Point of Grace on air talking about the global food crisis and asking listeners to help.
• A listener going through tough times called his local Christian station and shared that he is on food stamps and, through tears, talked about how hearing what millions of hungry people are going through has opened his eyes to how much he has. He said he had just received a $25 raise at his job and pledged to donate $13 of that to help feed a child.
• A listener from Missouri called to say she wanted to share a portion of a settlement she received and believed God would have her give $60,000 to help the kids affected by the global food crisis.
• A deli owner called his local station and said that he would donate 100 percent of all cash profits on this day.
• People stuck in New York City traffic with Blackberrys® called Star 99.1 (WAWZ) and logged on to the station's Web site to find out information about how they could help.
• A listener took up a collection in her department at work and raised $70 for the Global Food Crisis fund.  

"The way in which these Christian radio stations and their supporters have answered the call to care for the poor is overwhelming," says Wess Stafford, President and CEO of Compassion International.  "They have demonstrated the true meaning of the word 'compassion.'"

Compassion International is the world's largest Christian child development organization that releases children from poverty through one-to-one child sponsorship. The holistic child ministry is uniquely positioned to provide immediate relief by transferring funds through its existing infrastructure and ensuring that those who need help most are helped first.

 "On behalf of all the children and their families around the world who will be blessed by these funds, 'thank you,'" says Mark Hanlon, senior vice president for Compassion International USA. "With the cost of many food staples doubling and tripling in value, you have truly answered a huge need for many."

"All of us at STAR 99.1 are exhilarated at the results of the Global Food Crisis campaign," says Johnny Stone, program director and morning show host at WAWZ Star 99.1, which covers New York City and New Jersey markets. "This proves if we pray hard and work hard, we can make a difference."

"The Global Food Crisis Day was a huge success! It was a gift to hear about the amazing reach and impact that Compassion International is having," says Frank Pastore, host of The Frank Pastore Show on 99.5 KKLA FM in Los Angeles. "We are blessed to partner with them in sharing the love of Christ."

Compassion International is working around the globe to permanently release children from poverty, not merely sustain them through it. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 25 of the world's poorest countries through nearly 5,000 local churches. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children — enabling  them to thrive not just survive. Compassion has been awarded seven consecutive, four-star ratings by Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.