KACU will kick off its 25th-annual Membership Drive on Monday. Â The drive will continue through Oct. 21.
The Membership Drive is focusing on the mission of KACU this year, which is to entertain, educate and enrich Abilene and the Big Country. A goal of 400 contributions from members has been set for this month, whereas in recent years the goal was set more on a monetary number.
Becoming a member not only means to donate to KACU but also members are encouraged to become involved with the station itself. This Membership Drive and the drive in the spring are the two most important events for KACU all year.
With 25 percent of KACU’s budget coming from members, these drives are critical, said Myra Dean, development director KACU. But she said the outlook is promising now that KACU has listeners in every state as well as many countries around the world.
“It’s very unusual to have a public radio station in a town the size of Abilene,” Dean said.
KACU not only serves the immediate Abilene area but also broadcasts to 17 of the surrounding counties, stretching as far as Eastland.
During the Membership Drive local guests make appearances on air, and sometimes former announces return to Abilene from their new locations all over the country, Dean said.
A few new incentives have been added to the drive this year, Dean said. Anyone who pledges this year will automatically get their name in a drawing for an iPad 2 and new pledges will also be signed up for a drawing to win a NOOK Color tablet.
Dean said the drive is a time for KACU staff to be energized by reconnecting with listeners and learning how the radio station affects the community. John Best, general manager of KACU and director of broadcast operations, said the drive was a special time for him.
“My favorite part about the Membership Drive is seeing the community involvement year after year, how they appreciate and respond to us during this time,” Best said.
Those interested in making a donation can do so either over the phone during KACU’s office hours or at any time online – which seems to be the most popular way to give, Best said.
