Montana Public Radio Spring Pledge Drive kicks off on March 27
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MISSOULA — It’s time for music, celebrations, thank you gifts and pets—lots and lots of pets. It’s Montana Public Radio’s annual Spring Pledge Drive. Starting at a new time, this year’s fundraising week begins Monday, March 27, at 7 a.m. and concludes on Monday, April 3, at 9 a.m. MTPR’s goal for the week is set at $525,000. The event includes MTPR’s popular “Pet Playoffs” on Sunday, April 2, from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. when listeners pledge in support of their dogs, cats, horses, goldfish and a complete menagerie of pets and other critters. “It’s our favorite week of the year here at Montana Public Radio because we get to connect with our listeners and supporters and celebrate the importance of public radio for communities across western and central Montana,” said MTPR’s director of development Anne Hosler. “We love this week because we get to have a lot fun and do important work at the same time.”
Some of the interesting listener donated thank you gifts available for a donation include raft trips, an electric guitar, concert tickets, yoga classes, a live raptor presentation, fire engine chauffeur services, farm fresh eggs, Flathead cherries, and more. This unique tradition of listener-donated thank you gifts is a hallmark of MTPR’s spring pledge week.
In addition, listeners can expect special programming including a Monday Music Special on March 27 featuring highlights from the “Live from Studio B” series including studio sessions from The Missoula Jazz Collective, Naomi Seigel, The Chinook Winds, The String Orchestra of the Rockies and more. On Saturday, April 1, from 6-8 p.m., MTPR will host a pledge week dance party. MTPR music hosts are planning special shows featuring many of the station’s DJs during “Freeforms” every weekday at 11 a.m. The station will also feature a StoryCorps Missoula special Sunday, April 2, at 4 p.m.
In 2023, contributions from MTPR listeners and sponsors are projected to make up 75% of the station’s total revenue, or $2.125 million dollars. The spring on-air pledge event comprises the biggest share of that annual goal. “In the past few years during very challenging times, MTPR listeners have really stepped forward to keep the in-depth NPR and Montana news, legislative and election coverage, hand-picked music, and unique children’s programming on-the-air,” said Hosler. “We know people value this service.”
“MTPR is here every day for our listeners across Montana,” said Ray Ekness, director of the University of Montana Broadcast Media Center and MTPR general manager. “We appreciate that our listeners are there for us with their financial support.”
Listeners can call in during the pledge week at 800-325-1565, donate online at mtpr.org, or mail in their pledges to 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812. They can also donate thank you gifts online. “This pledge drive and MTPR are made possible by thousands of people all getting involved and making their voices heard for public broadcasting in Montana,” Hosler said.
Montana Public Radio airs across much of western and central Montana at 89.1 and 91.5 in Missoula, 89.5 in Polson, 90.1 in Kalispell, and online at mtpr.org.
