KASU Continues Fundraising Fridays with Goal of Raising $5,000 Each Friday

KASU 91.9 FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University, will continue its series of fundraising events, “KASU Fundraising Fridays.” The March fundraisers will be held on consecutive Fridays until March 20.

JONESBORO – KASU 91.9 FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University, will continue its series of fundraising events, “KASU Fundraising Fridays.” The March fundraisers will be held on consecutive Fridays until March 20.

On Friday, March 6, the fundraising will take place from noon – 5 p.m. The final two Fundraising Fridays of the month, held from 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., will be held March 13 and March 20.

This focused weekly day of support for KASU will provide needed funding and allow listeners to strengthen the station’s mission of bringing music, news, arts and views to the region. This new on-air fundraising opportunity continues to enhance KASU’s efforts to offset recent funding challenges due to the elimination of federal support for public media with minimal program disruptions for listeners.

“Each weekly Fundraising Friday goal is $5,000,” said Rayna Kingston, listener engagement specialist for KASU. “The February Fundraising Friday events had an additional $1,000 match donation from generous donors, meaning contributions up to $1,000 doubled. KASU goes into March with two $1,000 match donations for two of the three scheduled events.”

KASU is encouraging new listener members to join during the drive. These one-day weekly drives allow the public to help fiscally strengthen the station. The March edition will celebrate Women’s History Month, including International Women’s Day on Friday, March 6, sponsored by Full Sun Gifts in Jonesboro.

The theme for Friday, March 13, is a cultural mashup of Freaky Friday and Friday the 13th. On Friday, March 20, KASU will wrap up the month of celebrating women with a post-St. Patrick’s Day theme. Businesses and organizations that want to sponsor the two remaining KASU Fundraising Fridays in March can contact Fuhr at lfuhr@astate.edu or by calling 870-972-2709.

“KASU’s listeners and supporters have helped to make our new fundraising strategy a success,” said Mark Smith, KASU station manager. “For the near future, KASU will continue Fundraising Fridays not only as our spring ‘fund drive,’ but also to help offset our losses from the rescission of federal funding.”

One may donate by calling 870-972-2200. Donations can be made online anytime at KASU.org/give or by downloading the KASU mobile app. KASU listeners become members by making financial contributions to the non-commercial educational station.

"It is more important than ever before to support public media for its ability to bring the community fact-based news, local reporting, emergency broadcasting, and discovery of music you won’t hear anyplace else,” Smith added. “KASU thrives because of the people and underwriters who support us so we can continue to be a communication lifeline for people who rely on us.”

KASU is celebrating its 69th anniversary later this year, having signed on the air May 17, 1957, making it the oldest public radio station in Arkansas. KASU has been an NPR member station since 1971. In addition to locally produced news and music programs, KASU pays to receive programming from NPR, American Public Media, and other sources.

More information, including ways to donate, can be found at kasu.org or its Facebook page. One may also contact Kingston at rkingston@AState.edu or LaDawn Fuhr at lfuhr@AState.edu for more details.