One goal, no interruptions, and every gift matched! It may not sound like it, but the WCQS Fall Fund Drive is underway.
Western North Carolina’s public radio station is raising $200,000 by Wednesday, September 21st without interrupting programming. Another critical goal is to support the important community work of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.
Every gift pledged to WCQS by September 21st is being matched for United Way Asheville and Buncombe County programs, including Hands On Asheville Buncombe,Middle School Success, NC 211, and grants to education, health and income programs. The WCQS / United Way match grant challenge is made possible thanks to the generous support of Arby’s/Brumit Restaurant Group, the United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, The Peaks Society and members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. Their pooled efforts will help reduce the impact of poverty on the lives of children and families and strengthen our whole community.
WCQS is using short messages during regularly scheduled breaks to ask listeners to help pay for the programs they love. Listener support is the single largest source of funding for WCQS, and this type of drive is a significant departure from the conventional public broadcasting practice of long “pitch breaks” that interrupt programs.
“We’re thrilled to partner with United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County for a drive-long challenge match to raise awareness and needed funds for amazing programs that serve our community,” says WCQS General Manager and CEO David Feingold. “This is our third Membership Drive without interruption to programming. This is fundraising that respects the programming and the listening experience, but in no way lessens the importance of member support.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation may give online at www.wcqs.org or call the pledge line at 828-210-4810.