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One night, Risa Hoag, owner of GMG Public Relations, was having a drink with Kaira Grundig, managing partner of Bonefish Grill in Nanuet. Hoag asked Grundig what she thought of doing a radio show that spotlights ways in which entrepreneurs give back to the community. Grundig was floored by the idea, and immediately signed on.
On January 26th, the first half-hour show of The Bigger Picture debuted at 10:10 a.m. on WRCR 1700 AM in Pomona. The show will air the second and fourth Tuesday and Thursday each month.
“Entrepreneurs who give back to the community are our unsung heroes,” said Hoag, who is past president of the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce.
Grundig, who lives in Fishkill, works 60 hours a week. She has two young children. But she finds an impressive amount of time to volunteer her time and the restaurant’s services.
Hoag, whose company is celebrating 25 years, is also a mother and an active volunteer in the community.
“People are starting to understand that there is a direct correlation between success and giving back,” said Grundig recently, speaking during the afternoon at Bonefish Grill.
Not long ago, Grundig cooked a salmon dinner for Helping Hands, which feeds and houses homeless people in churches in winter.
“That started everything,” said Grundig, wiping tears from the corner of her eyes. “I took my team with me. We fed these people. The effort and cost was so minimal compared to the emotional return. My only regret was that I didn’t bring my daughter with me to experience this.”
Guests on The Bigger Picture talk about their companies, as well as their volunteering endeavors. The radio show hosts believe their format is an excellent way to bring awareness to many issues and causes throughout Rockland County.
Eventually, callers to the show can win prizes and snag local deals. For now, those who have ideas should send an email to thebiggerpicturewrcr@gmail.com.
This week, a lucky contributor will win a Valentine’s Dinner for two at Bonefish Grill with limo service to and from dinner provided by KLS Transportation. Another will get two hours of jump time at Bounce!Trampoline Sports in Valley Cottage. Both businesses are show sponsors.
Hoag believes listeners who learn about philanthropic entrepreneurs may be more inclined to use their services. “If I know a business owner cares about his community, I would choose that business,” she said.
The pair are spending about $500 a month to air their show. That fee includes three radio spots a day to promote the show. They already have a handful of sponsors.
Anyone can submit a proposal to buy radio time on WRCR.
Upcoming guests on The Bigger Picture include Dr. Michael Cocilovo, a veteran chiropractor, Cynthia Branca, a financial planner, and Kevin Hardy of KLS Transportation.
The hosts of The Bigger Picture invite the public to submit suggestions for guest appearances via email thebiggerpicturewrcr@gmail.com. Listeners can weigh in on Twitter #bigpicwrcr or by posting on Facebook www.facebook.com/thebiggerpicturewrcr.
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