Mayflower Marathon Breaks Record, Raising More Than $260,000 for Open Pantry

SPRINGFIELD — Rock 102 (WAQY-FM) wrapped up its 32nd annual Mayflower Marathon food drive last week, delivering another show of community spirit and generosity. The three-day event, held at MGM Springfield in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, raised $260,000 in food and cash donations — a new record for the long-running tradition.

Morning hosts Bax & Nagle powered through 52 hours of broadcasting, rallying listeners to donate non-perishable food items to benefit Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield. With food insecurity affecting more than 50% of households across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, the need for support has never been greater.

The Mayflower Marathon’s success is fueled by unwavering community involvement. Local residents and businesses stepped up in a big way, including major partners like the Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation and Logistics, Xfinity, Camping World of West Hatfield, Arment Trucking, and many more. Thanks to their efforts, four tractor trailers were filled with food, helping Open Pantry meet the growing demand for assistance.

“The response this year was nothing short of extraordinary,” Rock 102 Director of Content Alex Byrne said. “The generosity of the people Western Mass. continues to inspire us year after year.”

This year’s drive was dedicated to former Rock 102 morning co-host and Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Famer John O’Brien, who passed away last week after a courageous 14-year battle with cancer. He was, and will always remain, a cornerstone of Rock 102’s history, and will be remembered fondly by numerous friends and colleagues.

Among his many contributions, one of the most enduring is the Mayflower Marathon food drive. O’Brien helped launch this event 32 years ago, and it will continue for many years to come in his honor.