Just In Time For The Holidays,
WCVB-TV Channel 5 Delivers Online Giving Community
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Boston, MA. — (December 13, 2000) WCVB-TV Channel 5, The BostonChannel.com and CharityAmerica.com today announced a partnership that connects the power of television and the Internet to create “CommonWealth 5,” an interactive online network which links a nonprofit organization’s needs to the best intentions of a donor. Combining WCVB’s commitment to community service, the news and information resources of The BostonChannel.com and the solution technology of CharityAmerica.com, viewers across New England will be able to explore the world of online philanthropy. More than 50 nonprofit organizations supported by Channel 5 are featured on the site with organization profiles, volunteer listings, e-giving opportunities and more.
Viewers and web browsers simply log on to www.TheBostonChannel.com, link to “CommonWealth 5” and find information about the non-profit organizations supported by the station, how interested benefactors can support these organizations, and special events where WCVB anchors and reporters donate their time. In addition, individuals can learn more about philanthropy, donate funds, items, tickets and their time, while tracking their individual “philanthropy portfolio” using the Portfolio 5 tracker. The site also features the “CommonWealth Citizen of the Month,” honoring groups and individuals for their charitable work.
“CommonWealth 5,” part of TheBostonChannel.com, is powered by CharityAmerica.com, the premier Internet resource provider for qualified nonprofits and their supporters. By using CharityAmerica’s technology, Timothy J. McCarthy, Founder and President of CharityAmerica.com, believes that “‘CommonWealth 5’ will offer the most comprehensive and efficient giving solutions for anyone who wants to get more involved with their community.” McCarthy continued, “This partnership with WCVB, a recognized leader in community activities, and TheBostonChannel.com, will become the model for philanthropy in action.”
As Boston’s Channel 5 expands its long-standing commitment to the community it serves, The American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Sociedad Latina, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and The Pine Street Inn are just a few of the nonprofit organizations that will benefit from this unique partnership. “‘CommonWealth 5’ is an exciting outgrowth of WCVB’s work in the community,” said WCVB President and General Manager Paul La Camera. “This special area of our web site, TheBostonChannel.com, will give viewers one place to learn more about local volunteer and philanthropic opportunities, as well as recognizing the good work of viewers in our area.”
A new era in philanthropy has arrived and to complement this season of giving, WCVB will officially launch “CommonWealth 5” on TheBostonChannel.com, this Thursday, December 14, 2000 at the Computer Clubhouse in the Roxbury Boys and Girls Club.
With comprehensive and insightful news, thorough coverage of special events, thought-provoking original programming and a broad range of entertainment offerings, WCVB-TV Channel 5 has been called “the best commercial television station in America.” Channel 5 has been honored with more of broadcasting’s top awards than almost any other station in the country. Today, WCVB is owned by Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc., which is headquartered in New York City. Hearst-Argyle owns and/or manages a total of 26 network-affiliated television stations reaching about 17.5% of U.S. TV households.
TheBostonChannel.com is the region’s most up-to-the-minute destination for local, regional, national and international news, weather, sports, entertainment and local information. The site, created and operated by Internet Broadcasting Systems (IBS), integrates WCVB’s renowned newsgathering capabilities with IBS’s award-winning editorial acumen to provide Boston users with the most comprehensive local Web site in New England.
CharityAmerica.com is the premier national online resource connecting an expanding network of qualified nonprofit organizations and their supporters. Applying their innovative technology to power “CommonWealth 5,” CharityAmerica.com empowers donors to learn more about philanthropy, donate funds, tickets, items, and volunteer / give back to the charities of their choice.
For more information on “CommonWealth 5” and the launch event, contact: CharityAmerica.com, Karen Kiefer at 508-903-4123 or WCVB-TV Channel 5, Caroline Waddel at 617-433-4771.
