Beginning at 6AM March 6th WHCU Morning Newswatch host Lee Rayburn took over the radio station and offered a different restaurant and wine pairing every hour to listeners with the highest bid. All the proceeds went directly to the United Way of Tompkins County. Each restaurant had donated a $200 gift certificate and each winery donated a case of win or craft beer. The auction raised $5,350.00 and included a pledge from Overhead Door of Cortland.

Lee Rayburn, “I am humbled and grateful for the generosity of WHCU’s listeners. I am overwhelmed by the support that our local businesses give to the United Way’s efforts. I am overjoyed by the difference that the United Way makes through its affiliate organizations and their daily work in creating a quality of life in our community that is clearly second to none.”

Throughout the Wine & Dine Radiothon, Lee had local leaders talk about the impact the United Way has on individuals and families in Tompkins County. The proceeds will go to the United Way’s efforts to help people meet their immediate, basic needs while empowering lasting change by strengthening the three building blocks for a good life: education, income, and health.

Cayuga Radio Group’s GM/VP Chet Osadchey, “The United Way of Tompkins County plays a critical role that positively impacts all people in our community. Friday’s event raised awareness to individuals and companies to remind them to donate financially to the United Way. We can all make a difference.”

6AM-The Crystal Lake Café & Americana Winery

7AM-Stella’s Barn & The Seneca Lake Wine Trail

8AM-red’s place & Glenora Wine Cellars

9AM-Booker’s Backyard & Lakewood Vineyards

10AM-Joe’s Restaurant & Six Mile Creek

11AM-Agava & Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

12-Bandwagon Brew Pub & Hosmer Winery

1PM-Ithaca Bakery & King Ferry Winery

2PM-The Antlers & Buttonwood Grove Winery

3PM-Coltivare & Heron Hill Winery

4PM-Corks and More & Wagner Valley Brewery

5PM-The Boatyard Grill & Wagner Winery

5PM-Ciao & Lucas Vineyards