KPSU launched its annual two-week pledge drive Monday, but donations started pouring in about a month ago when the student-run radio station sent out an e-mail asking faithful listeners to pony up.
The pledge drive is similar to those that Oregon Public Broadcasting holds, except that the prizes are better, said Rachelle Shmid, the station’s development director. She added that the station hopes to raise at least $5,000. Last year the pledge drive brought in around $7,500.
“It’s huge,” Shmid said. “While we get funds from the SFC like every other student group … it allows us to do bigger and better things.”
Student fee money keeps the radio signal on and pays staffers, but KPSU also co-sponsors events like PDX Pop Now! and puts on other shows. Even a $5 donation could also help replace a cable or microphone without KPSU asking the Student Fee Committee for additional funds.
“We’d like to be more independent and rely less on student fees,” Shmid said.
More than 15 companies around Portland have donated listener premiums, including Voodoo Doughnut, Ground Kontrol and the Portland Trail Blazers. A full list of available swag is featured on kpsu.org, however there are a couple of prizes that Shmid predicts will be highly sought after.
The Blazers have donated an official basketball signed by the entire team, which is being auctioned off with a starting bid of $300. Additionally, there are plenty of T-shirts, gift cards and a special pair of Voodoo Doughnut underwear available.
“I’m pretty sure those are actually spoken for,” Shmid said with a laugh, referring to the underwear.
If cool swag isn’t enough to drive listeners to donate, KPSU is also holding several special events and radio shows in the next two weeks. The show Signal-to-Noise will have a special call-in karaoke show on May 20 at 8 p.m., when listeners can call in and have station DJs and local artists sing whatever song the listener wants—for a price.
Roxy and the Rebounds will perform live on the show Sing Blue Silver, May 24 at 6 p.m. Fifth Avenue Cinema features Songwriters on the Naked Edge May 30 at 9 p.m. The second annual Jazztravaganza benefit concert kicks off at Jimmy Mak’s on June 11.
“There’s a lot of overlap [with Portland artists and other groups],” Shmid said. “It’s amazing how small the music community is here.”
While the goal is to raise $5,000, Shmid said it is really hard to tell how successful the pledge drive will be, mostly due to the recession.
“It’s hard to say sometimes with the economy what it is,” Shmid said. “It’s hard to tell. We may exceed it.”
She said that KPSU is always appreciative of the support it receives from the community.
“It’s surprising to us how very devoted our listeners are,” she said. “We definitely appreciate it. It goes a long way.”