Leaves on the WHFR Family Tree will be available for $270 each, with one free, during Radiothon 2021 April 18 to 24.
DEARBORN –– WHFR 89.3 FM, Henry Ford College home grown, non-commercial, independent radio and Internet broadcast station, will host its annual pledge drive, “Radiothon 2021,” from April 18 to 24, with a variety of special on-air events scheduled throughout the week.
As a non-commercial, volunteer-staffed radio station, WHFR is not licensed to sell commercials and must rely on support from HFC and private donations to operate. Since WHFR does not receive government funding, more than 60 percent of its operating budget comes from donations.
This annual fundraiser is the radio station’s largest fundraising effort and provides the biggest opportunity to collect much-needed independent funding to run the eclectically programmed radio station, especially since WHFR was not able to hold a pledge drive last year.
There are three ways to donate to the radio station during Radiothon 2021:
• On-Air: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2021 is April 18 to 24 when live DJs will be asking people to call in at 313-845-9676 to make tax-deductible donations via credit card or to request a self-addressed envelope to be sent directly to them.
• Online: Donations can be done securely online by clicking the “Radiothon 2021” button on the WHFR website.
• Mail: Print, fill out, and mail in the pledge form with a contribution at any time.
A special exclusive for this year’s radiothon is the WHFR Family Tree. It is the radio station’s most ambitious ongoing fundraiser to date, Department of Communication and Media and WHFR General Manager Chairwoman Susan McGraw said. The WHFR Family Tree is displayed next to the WHFR radio station entrance in the Student and Culinary Arts Center on the main campus as proof of support of all WHFR members, past and present.
WHFR’s goal is to have any person who has been touched in some way by the radio station (alumni, listeners, station officers, DJs, underwriters) be recognized by a leaf on the Family Tree, becoming an official part of the WHFR Family. Once purchased, you select the inscription you would like to have placed on a brass leaf that will be added to the branches.
Purchase one leaf at the regular price of $270 and get a second one free.
“WHFR Radio has been committed to providing engaging programming that is not heard elsewhere across the metro Detroit radio spectrum for more than 35 years,” Department of Communication and Media and WHFR General Manager Chairwoman Susan McGraw said. “With original musical styles from talented and creative area artists and great local talk, we air what other stations don’t.
“Whether you’ve been enjoying our classical music to help get you through it all, or are just thrilled to have our local, independent programming back on the air, know that our roots are firmly planted in our community. Listen for special segments highlighting current and former WHFR staffers sharing their ‘home grown’ stories.
“We’ll also have a new artist spotlight as we continue planting seeds for new musical acts to grow. And, as a special treat, you’ll hear segments with Windy & Carl and Labour Day Weekend, two amazing local groups that WHFR has nurtured over the years.”
Based in Dearborn, Windy & Carl have been fans of WHFR before they started performing as a duo in 1993. WHFR was one of the first radio stations to play their music and has supported them in their long musical career. The duo both play guitars and bass with occasional vocals from Windy. Their latest album, “Allegiance and Conviction,” is available on Kranky Records, an independent label in Chicago.
Labour Day Weekend is a positive punk band from Dearborn founded in 2014. They performed on WHFR’s “Live from Studio J” in 2018 and during a WHFR benefit show in 2019.
Beginning April 19, and throughout the week of Radiothon 2021, WHFR will feature short segments of each band, ranging from their relationship to WHFR, what they are most proud of musically, their future plans, and the importance of supporting the college’s radio station.
“You play a vital role in the growth of WHFR, and we are committed to being your ‘home grown’ radio station, staying true to our roots with local, independent programming for our community,” McGraw said.
For questions or more information, contact McGraw at 313-845-9842 or [email protected].