On December 13, 2011, the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation gave $120,000 to a Bangor‑area radio‑hosted heating fundraiser, raising a total of $241,820.
The donation came as Maine faced a severe cold snap and a cut in federal heating assistance, leaving low‑income households scrambling to keep their homes warm.
The radio station, KWSU‑FM, broadcast the appeal to its 100,000‑strong audience, encouraging listeners to contribute via phone and online donations.
Within two weeks, cumulative pledges surpassed the $120,000 base, with 60% of the final amount coming from individual donors who responded to the call for urgent help.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the money will be earmarked for fuel deliveries, electric bill payments, and emergency heating supplies for families in crisis.
The foundation’s executive director announced that the funds will be distributed to 350 households by January 31, 2012, with a follow‑up audit scheduled for February.