WMPG hosts its biannual pledge drive, the Begathon, April 21 to April 27. This spring’s Begathon coincides with the station’s 30th anniversary. Volunteers, local businesses and disc jockeys will all contribute to the effort, which is “more of a party than NPR and PBS-style fundraisers,” said Tom Flynn, development director at WMPG.
The station’s goal for the spring is to raise $25,000. The Begathon accounts for about 35 percent of WMPG’s operating budget with the rest of the funds coming from student activity fees, local businesses, and grants. Like all commercial-free radio stations, WMPG depends on listener support. The schedule for the week will remain the same with just a few minutes set aside to ask listeners for donations.
This week’s fundraiser will serve as the official kick-off for the station’s 30th anniversary celebrations which continue through the summer and fall. The theme is “30 Years in Your Ears” and will culminate with various concerts and two parties in September to welcome back USM students for another year.
For this April’s Begathon the station has received donated food from Bella Cucina, Granny’s Burritos, Mesa Verde, Wild Oats, Bintliffs, The Pepper Club, O’Natural’s, Beal Street BBQ, Tony’s Doughnuts, Soffrito’s, Bonomo Caf?, Flatbread Company, Russo’s Monument Deli, and the Bakehouse Caf?.
“I think we’ll reach our goal,” Flynn said. He also said volunteers will be needed throughout the week to help run the event.
Pledges can also be made anytime during the week. The number to call is 780-4909.