WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s June Fund Drive mobilized more than 4,000 listeners to help the people who live and work in our communities. We raised awareness about the issues that families in our neighborhoods deal with each day, and raised $1 million to keep WAMC on the air.
“It is so satisfying to know how many people love and depend on this radio station. We hear it over and over again on this drive” says Alan Chartock, President and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful.”
WAMC partnered with The Seymour Fox Foundation, the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, and Our Ability of Glenmont NY to help the disabled in our region. This group is the largest minority group in the US. Individuals with disabilities were less likely to be employed than individuals without disabilities, and those who were employed typically held jobs with lower earnings and also earned less than their colleagues with no disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. We were able to help some of these people get support and training to gain employment. “It shows the community spirit of this radio station to help these wonderful non-profits while they are supporting to WAMC” says Joe Donahue, Vice President of News and Programming.
WAMC also partnered with The Kids In Need Foundation to donate backpacks filled with supplies to students in our region. Many children are not able to have success in schools because of poverty and lack of materials. With the help of our listeners and the Kids In Need Foundation, we were able to help these children by giving them the tools they need to achieve and be successful in school.
WAMC’s three annual Fund Drives are successful because of the combined efforts of listeners, donors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters. “WAMC is grateful to the volunteers who gave us their time and the businesses who donated items, services, and food in support of the Fund Drive,” added Chartock. “This enormous effort is not possible without their support.” A complete list of supporters is available at wamc.org. Anyone interested in learning more about the Fund Drive or to get involved should contact Colleen O’Connell, Fund Drive Manager at 465-5233×171.
WAMC Northeast Public Radio is a non-commercial, public radio station and nonprofit organization that presents award-winning news and cultural programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. WAMC’s listening area reaches parts of seven states, including Utica. WAMC is a member of National Public Radio and an affiliate of Public Radio International. For more information on WAMC, please visit www.wamc.org or call 518.465.5233.