Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

"DADDY OF EM ALL Daddy Rango at the dedication of Century Air Lines, at Gtendale. Right, his famous baseball team, and wheelbarrow used in gathering donations which are given to the poor. A hard bunch to beat, too. by Dean Holmes IF ONE were to ask the general question "Who is the best friend of the poor?" it is safe to say nearly a quarter of a million people in the West would immediately cry "Daddy Rango!" Why? Well, that's where the story begins. For 24 years, A. M. Rango, now known familiarly and officially (for the name is copyrighted) as "Daddy," has been engaged in relief work of various kinds, and in various places. He has undertaken many and sundry enterprises to enlist aid for the needy. Having had a long experience in showmanship and trouping, Rango was particularly well grounded in the psychology of the public, and knew his business when it came to getting people to contribute. With this background, he went into radio broadcasting, considering it the best modern means of dealing with the greatest number of people. He has built up a stronghold at KELW, Burbank, Calif., from which he sells personality, psychology, and advice, in return for food, clothing, and other contributions for distribution among the poor. He has conducted programs at a dozen other stations. Rango is actually looked upon as an exalted Good Samaritan, a sure refuge in time of need, by thousands upon thousands of persons who have sought help at his hands. None has ever been refused. Aid has been rendered where aid was most needed. Lives have been saved, and health restored. A woman wrote a letter to Rango one day in which she sought his help as a last resort. Hope was gone, and the doctors had given her but 30 days to live unless she could go to a dryer, hotter climate. She appealed to him in despair. "I have no money — no friends. What can I do? I have given up hope," her letter read. "For God's sake, can you do something?" Immediately Rango's appeal went out over the air for an automobile to take this poor woman where she wanted to go. Within a few hours, the automobile arrived, along with offers of many more. Rango delved into his own meager purse and gave the woman $45. She reached her destination, managed to find work, and is healthy and happy today. Funerals for the poor are one of Rango's most common acts of charity. Funeral directors all over the West have offered their free services, provided him with the necessary facilities for nothing. Memorial parks and mausoleums give him space and plots for the many burials he makes possible for destitute families. Rango has scores of pitiful, touching messages of gratitude from those he has aided in providing proper burial for their loved ones. "I sponsor everything that is right!" declared this silver-haired, energetic little man. "And if it isn't right, I won't have anything to do with it!" The law has forbidden the solicitation of funds over the air, but Daddy Rango diplomatically asks, in the name of the needy parties concerned, for any help that might be offered, and enumerates the articles most in demand. From automobile tires to permit a penniless aged couple to drive back home, to shoes for the baby and dresses for women, donations roll in. He has a single rule which he follows in giving advice or aiding families in danger of separation. "Are there children in the family?" "My one and only purpose in assisting these cases," Rango said, "is RADIO DOINGS