PLEDGE DRIVE NETS 125 NEW MEMBERS, $14,000 FOR KRCU

After eight days of volunteers busily manning the microphones and telephones, KRCU radio station's second-ever pledge drive is over.

The effort raised $14,020.90 for the community-supported radio station.

KRCU-90.9 FM acting general manager Greg Petrowich said things went much smoother this time out than during the station's first crack at fund raising last spring.

"I think a lot of people were familiar with the process from last time," Petrowich said.

That applies not only to those working on the drive, but with listeners. The station, a National Public Radio affiliate, added 125 new members to boost total membership to 461.

Although short of its goal of 150 new members, Petrowich was happy with the pledge drive. He said it helps educate the community about what it takes to provide the kind of programming KRCU gives.

"If you grew up in Cape Girardeau all of your life, you might not really understand about pledging to a radio station," Petrowich said. "We are the only station in town to ever ask people for donations instead of selling advertising."

During the first campaign in April, the station added 186 members and raised $22,000.

"We did not really emphasize the monetary goal as much as wanting first-time pledges," Petrowich said of the second effort. "A lot of people gave in the spring so we did not really expect them to give again."

Many people who didn't join last week likely will be ready to pledge next time, Petrowich said.

About 100 volunteers contributed their time to the campaign, either by taking pledges over the phone or as on-air hosts. Many businesses in the community also donated food and services during the drive.

"It's amazing to us -- obviously we want monetary support -- but the PR surrounding the event is just as valuable," Petrowich said. "So many people learn about the process."

Listener contributions are 20 percent of KRCU's operating budget. The station receives the bulk of its funding from Southeast Missouri State University.

KRCU's next pledge drive will be April 13-20.