WKAR Radio wrapped up its spring membership campaign Thursday evening/Friday morning with a grand total of $130,111 from 1,072 members.
The goal for the campaign, which began Friday, March 27, was $130,000 and 300 new members. The campaign concluded one day early during the Thursday, April 2, edition of All Things Considered. The campaign brought in 255 pledges from new members.
The annual radio drive used the services of 34 staff members, 19 food donors and a cadre of volunteers. Among community individuals offering generous challenges were Lynette Rhodes, Carol Giacoletto and Beth Alexander.
"Given the economic situation, reaching our goal and ending a day early is an amazing achievement," said Curt Gilleo, WKAR Radio's station manager.
"Getting near the end is always exciting, but we never expected the level of support we got during ATC on Thursday. We were over $8,000 from the $130,000 goal and the most we've raised around ATC in recent times, is about $4,000 so I thought there was no way we'd reach our goal during ATC," said Jill Westmoreland-Ayers, Director of Annual Giving. "Wow, was I surprised when our listeners started calling faster than we could answer the phones. I pulled in anyone I could find to answer phones. It was so exciting and emotional that a few of us had tears in our eyes."
This is the third campaign this fiscal year for WKAR Radio, which has an overall membership goal of $ 1,046,000. The October campaign brought $178,374. Even with this campaign's totals, the station is still short of that goal.
Listeners can continue to make pledges online at WKAR.org. or calling member services at (517) 432-9527.
WORKSHOP: Imagine, Create, and Play Middle schoolers! Learn how to create video games at this FREE workshop from WKAR. Saturday, Feb. 11. More info and SIGN UP HERE.
