Tune Into David Hochberg Saturday On WGN For 'Vest-A-Thon' Radioathon

CHICAGO — Tune into WGN-AM/720 this Saturday morning for Vest-A-Thon. WGN Radio’s David Hochberg will partner with 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea and the Chicago Police Memorial Foun WGN Radio’s David for a Vest-a-thon fundraiser, to raise money to buy and replace bulletproof vests for Chicago police officers.

Hochberg hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago,” which airs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. He is the vice president of lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial in Chicago. Hochberg is a passionate advocate for military veterans and first responders.

The Vest-A-Thon will feature stories of officers whose lives have been saved by bullet-proof vests, including the brave officers from the Chicago Police Department who will share their perspective on the increasingly difficult work they do each day. The Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will also perform.

>>> Eat Pancakes, Help Buy CPD Bulletproof Vests At 'Get Behind The Vest'

Officers are issued a bulletproof vest upon graduation from the Chicago Police Academy, but then must pay for the vests, which range from $500 to $600, out of their own pocket during the rest of their career, not to mention the equipment and uniform expenses.

“When I heard about that, I thought that’s a little backwards and very ridiculous,” Hochberg said in a past interview. “Let’s do something about it.”

Hochberg hopes to raise $200,000 on his show this Saturday to give to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation to help buy 400 bulletproof vests.

“Not only do we need the police, we need to support the police,” Hochberg said. “I think that’s an important portion that we’re bringing to this. When I grew up as a young kid, I was taught to respect the police and say thank-you to the police for their service. I still do that to this day.”

Organizers and volunteers of the Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast, who have watched this event grow year after year, will also be featured on Hochberg’s show this Saturday. Vest-A-Thon donors to this event will have the opportunity to win incredible prizes including skybox experiences at many of Chicago’s best teams, sports paraphernalia, and much more.

“I’m proud of my police officers,” Hochberg said. “All we’re trying to do is reallocate funds for the vests, so the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation can better care for the families of fallen police officers.”

To participate, tune into WGN Radio 720AM on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations are now being accepted now by visiting CPDVest and WGNVest, or by calling 833-498-Vest (8378). To volunteer, donate sports tickets, or other items to be given away throughout the Vest-a-Thon, please email mattoshea@the19thward.com.

Over the past 10 years, Ald. O’Shea’s Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast has raised more than $580,000. To date, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has replaced more than 13,000 vests previously purchased by the foundation, with an annual goal to replace 1,000 vests for officers each year.

The Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast will take place 9 to noon Sunday, Feb. 25, at St. John Fisher’s Kane Hall, 10200 South Washtenaw Ave., Chicago. This year’s event will be carry-out only.

“Chicago Police officers have extremely difficult jobs and see and experience things that most of us could never dream of,” O’Shea said in news release. “We must provide our officers with all the tools possible to ensure that they are safe and will return home to their loved ones at the end of each shift. It is imperative that Chicago police officers have access to equipment with the latest technology advancements, and the funds raised through the Get Behind The Vest Pancake Breakfast and Vest-A-Thon will help to provide that.”

O’Shea sits on the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Advisory Board and the Chicago Police Chaplains Ministry Board of Directors. He represents the communities of Beverly Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood, where thousands of first responders reside.

For more information on Alderman Matt O’Shea’s Pancake Breakfast, benefiting the Get Behind the Vest initiative, or to support this great cause, please call 773-238-8766 or visit www.the19thward.com