Two times per year, for one week in mid-October and another week in mid-April, WMPG hosts its pledge drive, called Begathon. This year’s fall Begathon was held from October 20 to the 26. John Joyce, WMPG office manager, who has been working for the station for seven years, said it has been at least 10 years since WMPG started holding the Begathon. “Some people take fundraising so seriously, but we try to ask for donations in a fun way,” he said.
As it is a commercial-free, volunteer driven and listener supported radio station, WMPG’s annual operation budget mainly depends on fundraising, with portions coming from the student activity fee, underwriting and grants. Many community members were involved in this Begathon: local restaurants donated food and many volunteers and work-study students took part in different festivities at the radio station. Michele Arcand was among the volunteers at the event. She moved here from Oregon about a year ago and she said volunteering for the local radio station is a great way to meet people and find out more about the community.
“You just tap into the scene! Besides, you have a wonderful chance to get free education: learn everything about the radio station for free. That’s why I want to put something of my own into this Begathon and encourage people to pledge in order to maintain the station,” said Arcand.
Diane Cormier has also been volunteering for WMPG. She said Begathon is always a fun time for all of the volunteers to get together. “Lots of excitement and lots of energy was going on here during that week.”
Begathon gave an opportunity to the community members to show support for the station, to visit and pledge money. To thank its listeners WMPG staff lined up a new selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, CDs, mugs, box sets, and even new knit caps for those who made a minimum donation. Last spring the station raised $25,000, this year, by Thursday morning $15,000 was donated.
Nino Kemoklidze can be reached at [email protected]