PORT TOWNSEND — KPTZ-91.9 FM’s spring pledge drive raised nearly $2,000 in the first four hours of the four-day event.
“There is always a lot of energy in these pledge drives,” said Nora Petrich, manager of the Port Townsend all-volunteer community radio station, on Wednesday, the first day of the pledge drive.
“People listen to us, and they can tell we are having fun on the air.”
About 36 volunteers are involved in the fundraising effort in the station’s third year on the air.
Pledges can be called in from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The pledge number is 360-554-4430. Contributions also can be made online at www.kptz.org.
Station volunteers hope to raise $15,000, a 50 percent increase from its originally stated $10,000 goal.
Money will fund operating expenses for the station that broadcasts from an annex building near Mountain View Commons, 1925 Blaine St.
“We always get a good response, and that is how we gauge the positive feeling about us in the community,” said Larry Stein, program director.
A component added to fundraising is the community card, which entitles the bearer to discount offers at more than 30 businesses.
Anyone donating more than $30 gets a card. Those who give between $60 and $119 get cards plus T-shirts. Those who donate $120 or more get the cards and coupons for $35 worth of Cape Cleare Salmon redeemable at the Port Townsend Farmers Market.
All who pledge will be entered for a grand prize drawing Monday.
Petrich said the station is in good shape but that there are several challenges ahead, including the future location of its 190-foot broadcast tower at the north end of Jacob Miller Road.
The tower is on private land, operating under an agreement that expires in five years. The landowner is expected to sell the property then.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
