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WDRT 91.9 FM pledge drive proceeds to Valley Stewardship Network
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WDRT, 91.9FM, Viroqua will be holding their “Keep It Growing Spring Pledge Drive” April 20–26. On-air pledge drives are vital to the operation of WDRT, with listener contributions making up 50% of their operating budget.

  This pledge drive will be unique, as WDRT will be donating 5% of all pledge drive proceeds directly to Valley Stewardship Network, a Viroqua based non-profit organization that promotes the balance between a healthy environment and strong communities by championing the stewardship of the land and waters of the Kickapoo watershed.

The Spring Pledge Drive will also be supported by local businesses offering their financial support via challenge grants. Westby Co-op Creamery will starting the week with a $1,000 challenge grant on Monday.  On Wednesday, The Driftless Café will offer up a $250 challenge grant.  Both organizations are excited to support WDRT and The Valley Stewardship Network.  

Pete Kondrup, General Manager of Westby Cooperative, said, “As a cooperative of local family dairy farms, Westby Cooperative Creamery is a community.  And our community depends on the assistance of the greater community in helping to support our family dairy farm member-owners.  That’s why the members, and employees, of Westby Cooperative Creamery proudly support WDRT Driftless Community Radio.”

WDRT’s annual operating budget is currently $109,000 per year, and WDRT has a $20,000 goal for the Spring Pledge Drive. “We have a lot of exciting things happening at the station,” said WDRT’s Board Member, Kathy Fairchild.  As WDRT continues to grow and develop as a strong voice of the region it is very exciting to me to see the interwoven interests that are working together to make this an even better place to live.”

WDRT has also recently launched the WDRT Songs to Memories Project. A project that moves WDRT into the community and beyond the sound of radio, and allows WDRT staff and volunteers to harness the power of music and friendship to bring personalized music digital playlists to area skilled nursing and residential facilities.

“We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. WDRT has over 75 on air volunteers, which help make over 75% of the programming schedule locally produced. WDRT continues, through mission-supported activities, to become an invaluable community resource for entertainment, information and education. I’m confident that the listenership will reach out to support WDRT during this pledge drive.  And of course VSN is a vital resource to our community and I am glad WDRT is able to give them support as well.” Fairchild stated

In response to the partnership, Tom Lukens, Board Chair of VSN remarked, “Valley Stewardship Network is glad to have played a part in the roots of WDRT. Thanks to countless hours of volunteer effort and dedicated leadership, WDRT now enriches the local cultural environment on a daily basis. VSN’s staff and board greatly appreciate WDRT’s generosity in letting us partner in the spring pledge drive. We intend Valley Stewardship Network will continue to complement WDRT as we work to protect the treasures of this unique physical environment through community outreach.”

People are encouraged to pledge their support to WDRT by calling 608-638-9378, or by pledging on-line at www.wdrt.org or by coming to the station at 311 S. Main Street in Viroqua during the week of April 20th- April 26th