Storm Forces Benefit Delay

Because of recent storms — which brought torrents of flooding, hail and wind damage to the Fort Smith region — Clear Channel and the Fort Smith Classic were forced to postpone an on-air benefit.

“Making Champions” was originally supposed to air April 10. The series of live remotes and interviews with some of the children who benefit from Fort Smith charities had to be postponed until April 23.

“The whole thing will add a level of excitement to the Fort Smith Classic that we feel like it deserves,” said Steve Jackson, a Clear Channel account executive who is also on the marketing committed for the Classic. “So we’re very pleased to be a part of it and to offer the stations to help the cause.”

The goal of the fundraiser, which will air on KMAG-FM, 99.1; KZBB-FM, 97.9; KKBD-FM, 95.9; and KWHN-AM, 1650 is to raise $10,000 for charities including the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Emergency Shelter, Children’s Service League, Girls Inc. and The First Tee of Fort Smith, according to a Fort Smith Classic press release.

Clear Channel has set aside the day to air a series of one-minute vignettes that will highlight each local charity, Jackson said.

“At this point we plan to make it an annual event,” he said.

Stephens Inc. is presenting the tournament.