What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don't think anybody ever answered that question with "Beggar." Yet here I am after 17 years on this non-commercial radio station making a request of my loyal listeners. Begging is one way to frame it, but definitely not the warmest, fuzziest way. I figure "making a request" might be a good radio-friendly term, albeit with a twist. Yes, here's where the DJ makes a request from his listeners rather than vice-versa.
Would it surprise you to learn that our little non-commercial station here in Poughkeepsie could use a little financial help these days? Yes, we have the luxury of being partially funded by Vassar College but we really rely on our audience to thrive and survive each year. Radio stations aren't cheap to run, even when the staff is made up of many unpaid volunteers.
While you've been investing your money in CD's (Certificates of Deposit), WVKR has been investing in CD's (Compact Discs and CD players, among other things).
While most non-commercial stations try to raise money daily, monthly or quarterly, WVKR asks you for a little help but once a year -- the week after Labor Day. We don't keep it going for a month... just a week.
So this week we make just one request of you, your pledge of support. The other 51 weeks a year, we open the request lines so that you can make your requests of us. Maybe you can spare 91.3 dollars. Divide by 52 weeks and it's a small (tall?) cup of coffee a week.
Believe me, we love what we do. Heck, we do it for free.
But the station still has bills to pay. We're hoping you can help out a little bit. Maybe you couldn't give last year or the year before. We get it. Money's tight. But if you can part with a few bucks you probably wouldn't even miss anyway, we certainly appreciate it.
And yes, there's a tax deduction involved. So you can send us a few bucks to support the music you love, or you can send it to the IRS. Now really, who do you love more?
So yes, we'll be beggars this week. It's not what we wanted to be when we grew up. But then, perhaps we never really grew up anyway. Beggars can't be choosers, but we hope you'll choose to donate. Whatever you choose, thanks for being there for us. We love being here for you.
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Call in during my show (845-437-7178), Friday 3pm to 5pm. If you can't call then, at least mention how much you like "The Orphanage of Rock and Roll" when you do call in with your pledge. Check www.wvkr.ORG for pledge drive info.
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