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On August 28, 1990, Will County was devastated by a tornado that killed 29 people, injured 353, and caused $140 million in damage, including the destruction of Plainfield High School. Just over one week later, WGN Radio presented a five-hour fundraiser at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. The show, dubbed “Tornado Aid” and hosted by Bob Collins, featured members of the WGN Radio staff and friends of the station performing in a talent show format before a packed house. The event and sales of the subsequent home video raised over $130,000 for the United Way of Will County to assist with relief efforts.


Below are highlights of Tornado Aid from the home video:

Part 1 – Bob Collins, Bob Young Band

Part 2 – Steve King and Johnnie Putman

Part 3 – “News headlines”

Part 4 – Wally Phillips

Part 5 – Second City, Jan Coleman

Part 6 – Kathy & Judy’s “The Agonies of Ecstasy”

Part 7 – Spike O’Dell, 7th Inning Stretch

Part 8 – American English

Part 9 – Dan Fabian, United Way

Part 10 – Lady of Charm

Part 11 – Al and/or Ed, “Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel”

Part 12 – Bears, straitjacket escape

Part 13 – Ronnie Rice, Finale