PORT TOWNSEND — Nonprofit KPTZ 91.9 FM radio will wind up its autumn pledge drive Saturday, and volunteers hope that big gains can be made toward the goal of $30,000 for the operation of the radio station.
As of Thursday afternoon, the community radio station run completely by volunteers had raised a little more than $13,000, but Kris Shapiro, station manager, was optimistic about the final two days of the pledge drive.
“We are looking to raise the money this week that will sustain us through the next year of operation,” Shapiro said.
Several incentives donated by local merchants are used to encourage pledges, and a live on-air concert featuring Port Townsend band Pies on the Run is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday.
“One of the things that we want to do is present more live concerts on the air,” Shapiro said.
“There are a lot of talented people in Port Townsend.”
The station began broadcasting May 14, 2011, from its studio at Mountain View Commons, 1919 Blaine St., to provide a diverse mix of music and information.
Program director Larry Stein said about 200 volunteers work behind the scenes while 40 people provide programing at the station.
“I’m knocked out with how far we’ve come in just 18 months,” Stein said.
“We have a lot of people who have a love of communicating and share their skills on the radio.
“We have some people who have radio experience and others who have no experience who are just learning,” Stein added.
“I challenge you to tell the difference.”
The station has two pledge drives a year: one in the fall and one in the spring.
The fall drive is intended to cover operational costs, while the spring drive is geared toward a specific need, Shapiro said.
“In the spring, we raised enough money to install an air conditioner, which made a real difference during the summer, and next year, we will devote the drive to get boosters so our signal can be heard in more places,” she said.
“It’s particularly hard to get the station downtown because the signal is blocked by the bluff.”
The station is advertising for an assistant manager, which will be its first paid position.
“We are a pretty tightly run organization,” Shapiro said.
“And the community is pulling together to support our programming.”
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
