KPR Membership Drive

KPR’s External Affairs Director Sheri Hamilton, standing, visits with Volunteer Esther Smith about a pledge this morning during Kansas Public Radio’s fall membership drive.

I had the pleasure of answering phones during “Morning Edition” today. It was kind of slow at 6:30 a.m., but the calls picked up as the morning progressed.

The goal for these three hours: $5,500.

Dr. Roy and Bev Menninger of Topeka offered a challenge to listeners: they would add $50 to each pledge of $180 or more, for up to 20 callers.

And, after that challenge was met, Nuvidia of Overland Park offered to add $100 to five pledges of $100 or more.

Sheri updates the Jumbotron.

Sheri Hamilton is part of KPR’s development team which works hard year-round to make these fund drives a success.

This morning’s guest pitcher, Rick Musser reminds listeners about the quality programming offered by Kansas Public Radio. Musser is a professor of journalism at KU.

Along with Rick Musser were Janet Campbell, general manager for KPR, and Rachel Hunter, KPR’s director of music.

The pitchers pitched from Studio C. We phone volunteers were in the adjoining Pledge Central (the live performance studio).

Meanwhile, down the hall in Studio A, News Director J. Schafer hosts “Morning Edition” and reports state and regional news. Here he prepares to go on the air.

At the end of the “Morning Edition” shift, thanks to the steady support of KPR’s new and renewing members, we had received $5,850 in pledges, surpassing our goal by $350.As a fan of KPR, I offer my thanks to everyone who has called in with a pledge.

And a thank you to those of you who will call.

Fall Fanfare 2007 continues this week. Offer your support to Kansas Public Radio by calling 888-577-5268. Or pledge safely and securely online.

Kansas Public Radio broadcasts from the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence.