On Thursday, March 3, 2016, WHQR Public Radio announced the beginning of the public phase of its emPowering Our Future Campaign, a capacity building campaign to raise $1.5 million. The announcement was made at a special event at the Bellamy Mansion featuring guest Ken Rudin, host of the nationally syndicated program, “Ken Rudin’s Political Junkie.”
“We are extremely grateful for and encouraged by the generosity of over 100 donors so far to this important campaign for WHQR,” said Station Manager Cleve Callison. “These wonderful donors have collectively given $1,149,000 already and have made so much possible.” One tangible result of the campaign has been the ability to acquire quality programming like “Political Junkie” to complement the station’s focus on high quality local programming.
The emPowering Our Future campaign has also allowed WHQR to purchase their studios on the 3rd floor of the Warwick building in downtown Wilmington. In addition, it has allowed HQR service expansion through the launch of a second broadcast signal, Classical HQR 96.7fm, and enhanced programming on HQR News 91.3fm. Future goals include facilitating new technologies for reaching broader audiences, advancing community engagement, and enhancing stability and service.
The public phase of the campaign is expected to raise the remaining $350,000 and reach a successful conclusion in 2016.
The Board of Directors embarked on this capacity building campaign over three years ago in order to “control its destiny.” “We believe that WHQR is much more than a radio station,” said MK Cope, Chair of the Board of Directors of Friends of Public Radio. “It is the community’s ‘Town Hall’ and a valued partner in the community. The campaign will help WHQR further its mission of‘providing a diversity of programming that strengthens a sense of community, reflecting a local vision and enhancing civil discourse.’”
Be sure to look through the wonderful photos taken by WalkerBankson!