After nearly 35 hours on the air this long weekend, the Pepsi House is over. I started it a couple years ago and truly believe it to be such a great cause. The organizations we give the money to buy Christmas presents for children whose families can't otherwise afford them. While so many kids this year are asking for things like video games and toys, these kids are asking for winter coats, boots, jeans...things most other kids take for granted.

A couple things really touched me this year, to the point where I was nearly brought to tears.

A woman came by last year with an envelope. She handed it to me while I was on the air and kept walking. By the time I had opened it to see what she had left, she was gone. $1000 cash. This year, the same woman came by and again handed it to someone and kept walking. How selfless this woman is to not even wait around for a thank you. She believes in the cause and doesn't need the acknowledgment that she's doing a good thing.

Saturday, a man came by to donate. I said thank you as he handed me the money. He said, "no, thank you. You guys thank everyone but yourselves. Thank you for being here, doing this." I tried to respond but really just stumbled through it. The sincerity in his voice was so awesome. I don't do the Pepsi House because it makes great radio (in fact, studies show we lose listeners during things like that), I honestly do it because I think it makes a difference. I fight so hard day after day to make it happen, sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. To know that one person, one stranger who has no stake in this promotion, sincerely appreciates what we're doing really makes it all worthwhile.

Sunday, the smallest donation made the biggest impact. A man, woman and their probably three year old son walked in the entrance directly in front of us. The boy walked ahead of the parents, up to our table, looked up at me and slid a dime across the table as his parents watched from behind him, obviously proud. The scene was almost too much to handle. How amazing it is that these parents have taught their child at such an early age to help people less fortunate than themselves.

I said so many times on the air, "every penny helps." That little boy's dime will forever help me fight through the BS and remember the good things we do. As long as I work in radio, wherever I go, I will put on The Pepsi House. I hope you will come out and support us next year. And to everyone who came out this year, THANK YOU. I want you to know you will forever be appreciated by me and by the families you've helped. To the staff of Bull Country and ZFun, thank you for giving your time; for hoosing to give up time over your Thanksgiving weekend to help families in need. Thank you to everyone who helped and to everyone giving back this holiday season and throughout the year.

Oh ya, $4,806 will sure put a lot of presents under the Christmas trees this year.

Thank you!
Ryan