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Media Release: WKMS Fall Drive On a Fast Track

Listeners contributed over $90,000 in three weeks in September to take the fall fundraiser of Murray State’s NPR station, 91.3 WKMS-FM, to within 30 percent of completing its $130,000 goal in community support.  WKMS Membership Coordinator Jenni Todd says, “During our on-air campaign we welcomed 120 new contributors with special gifts.”  Todd adds, “we’ll be working with our renewing members to complete the fundraiser by mail or online, and we’re also working to add 30 more first time contributors to complete our 150 new member goal this fall.”

WKMS is offering a Kindle Fire HD giveaway at the end of October, drawing names from those of listeners who participate in the fundraiser this month.  Listener contributions fund station operations, including programming, equipment maintenance and replacement, student intern wages, and many other expenses, comprising nearly a third of the WKMS’ direct revenues.

The fundraiser has also awarded gifts to fundraiser participants thus far. Dr. Anne Beck of Murray received a Kindle Fire eReader by participating before the on-air drive began. Josh Garland of Cadiz, received the Alvarez guitar contributed by Music One of Murray due to his participating during the station’s popular bluegrass and Americana show, Music From the Front Porch, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Three $100 gift certificates for Wayne Bates Pottery were also given away, thanks to the artist.

WKMS appreciates great volunteers for their generosity, including the Solid Rock’it Boosters; vocalist Kala Dunn with Todd Hill, keyboard and Scott Thile,bass; and The Great Gatsby Jazz Funk Odysssey.  Program Director Tracy Ross says, “Our listeners loved the live music in Studio A during A Prairie Home Companion special broadcast Sunday and during Sounds Good Thursday and Friday.  Live on-air performance makes this radio service unique for our friends in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois.”

WKMS Development Director Ronda Gibson and Underwriting Representative Asia Burnett thank businesses in the region for contributing corporate grants to match listener gifts.  These include:  Better Hearing of Brookport, IL.; The Corner Shoppe of Hazel; Madisonville Community College; Milestones Financial Planning LLC of Mayfield; Balance Yoga Studio, Big Apple Café, Enix Jewelers, Happiness Restaurant, Murray Woman's Clinic, The UPS Store, and Westside Veterinary Service, all of Murray; Artisan Kitchen, Blue Mango IT, Denton & Keuler Attorneys at Law, Etcetera and Etcetera Squared, Flamingo Row, Hughes Funeral Home, Roof Brothers Wine & Spirits, Technology Corner, The Wedding Book, Western Baptist Hospital, and White and White Family Dentistry, all of Paducah; and the Downtown Paris Association.

The station provides a secure online pledge page at wkms.org accessed by the button Pledge Now.   Gifts may also be mailed to WKMS; 2018 University Station; Murray, KY 42071 (made payable to WKMS/MSU Foundation).  For more information about contributing or underwriting on WKMS, call 800-599-4737.  Gifts may be tax-deductible.

Contact:  Membership Coordinator Jenni Todd (270-809-4748 or jtodd14@murraystate.edu

Jenni holds a degree in Music Education from Murray State University and a Masters degree in Arts Administration from Florida State University's College of Music. She's equipped with knowledge and enthusiasm for fundraising and the arts. She also serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and on the Murray Independent School District Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors.
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