Giving Back
Diekneite helps raise $10,000+ for local charity, crowned ‘Prince of Sole’
Diekneite is most passionate about giving back to the communities he serves. Throughout the better part of a decade he’s spent in broadcast news, he has shown a passion for philanthropy, and donated his time and efforts to several renowned organizations. Some of those contributions have even been recognized for the impact they’ve made.
In May 2023, Diekneite was crowned ‘Prince of Sole’ by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire at its annual flagship fundraiser, ‘Wine, Women & Shoes.’ Diekneite earned this honor by finishing at the top of the fundraising leaderboard, beating out close friend and fellow WTOC co-anchor Sam Bauman.
Together, the two raised more than $10,000 for the charity, which provides housing and basic necessities for the families of critically ill children. It was Diekneite’s second straight year competing in the fundraiser, which has raised roughly half a million dollars during that time
Diekneite helps collect thousands of books for WTOC’s Books to Kids book drive; takes part in United Way’s ‘Read With Me’ campaign
Literacy is a critical part of a child’s development. It is an essential requirement for a kid’s success in life, and often determines what road they go down. Diekneite has been proud to take part in multiple successful campaigns centered around literacy. As a part of WTOC’s Books to Kids book drive, Diekneite helped collect thousands of books for kids over the past three years. One bookstore in particular watched Diekneite’s live shot in the spring of 2023 and committed to donating more than a thousand books.
Diekneite serves as lead volunteer for Meals from the Heartland
During his time in Iowa, Max fulfilled his desire to give back to those in need in a tangible way by dedicating months of his free time to the volunteer organization Meals from the Heartland. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization packages meals to help feed the hungry.
Meals are delivered directly to locations in Iowa, the U.S. and around the world. Diekneite was tasked with guiding corporate groups and others who volunteered with the organization, showing them how to package the meals and also keeping track of portion control.
Diekneite finishes top five in ‘Mr. August’ campaign
Diekneite also competed in The Blood Connection’s ‘Mr. August’ competition, a broad-reaching campaign among 20 “influencers” to help sign people up to replenish the blood supply in local hospitals during the critical summer months.
Diekneite played a critical role in a campaign that, thanks to the people who signed up to donate, helped save a countless number of lives.
