Twice every year, WMPG holds a fundraiser called the Begathon. The station depends on this fundraiser for its livelihood. This year WMPG exceeded its goal of 30 thousand dollars by at least four thousand through a week-long pledge drive, collecting from direct mailings and from Pay Pal donations to their website. This year they made $750 at the first annual Begathon Ball. “We stress to make it fun,” said Development Director Tom Flynn. “The only problem with it was that it was in the middle of the Begathon.” Next April, WMPG will once again host a fundraising concert in the Portland Area.
Local restaurants like Granny’s Burritos, Flatbread Pizza and Aurora Provisions donated food in order to feed the station’s hungry volunteers and provide incentive for those considering volunteering.
The station is also offering thank you gifts in exchange for Begathon donations. In return for a pledge, donors received porcelain steins, a bobble head Hank Williams dolls and t-shirts featuring a new Mayan design.