With bad news seemingly inescapable these days, ESPN Radio’s Golic and Wingo wanted to do its part to bring light to all the good being done for others during this pandemic.
We pride ourselves on our close connection to fans and we wanted to use the show’s platform to spotlight some individuals who are doing amazing things in their local communities.
#HometownHero was born, and for three weeks fans were asked to share stories of everyday people in their lives and the incredible things they are doing to help. More than 1,000 thoughtful, heartbreaking and uplifting stories came flooding in from across the country. Hosts Mike Golic, Trey Wingo and Mike Golic Jr. were incredibly touched by the responses and shared many on-air. Along with the hosts’ heartfelt notes of thanks on Twitter, the show rallied fans to join in on the thank yous, as a united round of applause.
As the stories poured in, the show team decided that rather than postpone the popular, annual Wingo Cup weekend – which gives listeners the unique chance at a golf retreat with the hosts – they wanted to cancel it and use the funds to recognize the Hometown Heroes instead. The Wingo Cup sponsor, Ferguson, immediately agreed.
On Monday, Golic and Wingo announced that it would be doing its small part by helping 20 of the #HometownHero stories with a gift of $5,000 each. We are also rallying “friends of the show” to thank many of these folks with personalized video messages.
The best part – each of these individuals is being surprised over a video conference call with the hosts, which have led to tears, laughs and meaningful connections. Most remarkably, there has been one common thread throughout the reactions – an extraordinary sense of selflessness.
This has been an incredible team effort turned around on short notice. I’m beyond proud to have been a part of this project and see it come to fruition through the care and thoughtfulness of Golic, Wingo, and Golic Jr. #oneteam
See the #HometownHero surprise videos below. More will be announced daily through May 8 on Golic and Wingo (6-10 a.m. ET, ESPN Radio & ESPNEWS | 6-8 a.m., ESPN2)
“I nominate my son, Antonio. Since the pandemic started, he’s coordinated efforts to feed and provide hygiene packs to the homeless throughout Tampa. He uses his adapted van as he’s a paraplegic, be he doesn’t let anything stop him.” We salute you, Antonio! #HometownHeroSpotlight pic.twitter.com/ZbCwqneWy1
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) April 27, 2020
“My mom, Patricia, has driven school bus for 35+ years. Herself along with 7 other drivers, have been working 5 days a week delivering lunches to low income students throughout our town.” We salute you, Patricia! #HometownHeroSpotlight pic.twitter.com/rw0dkKICdQ
— Golic and Wingo (@GolicAndWingo) April 27, 2020
“My son Alex is a GA football coach at Midwestern State. Once spring football was cancelled, he returned to his work as an ER nurse and flew to NYC to help out on the frontlines.” Alex, thank you for your sacrifice! #HometownHeroSpotlight pic.twitter.com/jbr503BuPB
— Golic and Wingo (@GolicAndWingo) April 28, 2020
“My aunt Tina made masks for my family so we could safely visit my dad while in Hospice. I wanted to give my dad the perfect last birthday gift, so I asked Tina and she made masks for the entire staff to enjoy for all of their help.” You inspire us, Tina! #HometownHeroSpotlight pic.twitter.com/UwX7isM3tK
— Golic and Wingo (@GolicAndWingo) April 28, 2020
“Randy puts other people’s needs in front of her own. She is at higher risk/susceptible to COVID-19 with having cancer but it does not hold her back from giving care to patients that are in need.” We salute you, Randy #HometownHeroSpotlight pic.twitter.com/BGPY0OIao1
— Golic and Wingo (@GolicAndWingo) April 29, 2020
”Sarah’s mother lives in assisted living and she can only visit her from outside a fence. During a visit, a gas utility worker from across the street came over and beautifully sang happy birthday to her mom in celebration of turning 94.” Thank you, Albert #HometownHeroSpotlight pic.twitter.com/UAINieXPAL
— Golic and Wingo (@GolicAndWingo) April 29, 2020
