DJ to stay on air 60 hours to raise storm relief funds

BREWER – DJ Dan Cashman says he will rely on strong coffee and the trail mix he brought into the studio to keep him awake for the 60 hours he has pledged to stay on the air to raise money for Hurricane Katrina disaster relief.

Radio station WBZN-FM 107.3 on Acme Road is hosting the so-called Cashmanathon, which started at noon Monday and is scheduled to run for 21/2 days to help people on the Gulf Coast affected by the monster storm that devastated the area.

“We’re already at $75, and pledges are coming in every few minutes or so,” Cashman said at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

The money raised will go the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

He will accept donations by phone during the fundraiser and plans to give out T-shirts and coffee mugs to those who give a lot or for unusual circumstances.

“If all of our listeners donate $2 to ‘Cashmanathon’ it will make a big donation,” Cashman told listeners. “I’ll be here until midnight Wednesday.”

Cashman admits he didn’t prepare himself for his on-air stretch.

“I climbed [Mount] Katahdin yesterday, which was probably not the smartest idea,” he said. “I went to sleep at 9 p.m. and got up this morning at about 10:30 a.m.”

The longest he has stayed awake was 32 hours, Cashman said.

To find out more or to donate call Cashman at 991-9600. Donations to the Red Cross also may be made at the station’s Web site: www.wbzn-fm.com.