Vermont Public Radio met its October membership drive goal on Monday morning, surpassing its goal of $600,000. As a result, Chittenden Bank, which agreed to make a donation to the CVPS Shareheat and Warmth programs for every pledge to VPR, will donate about $25,000 to help keep families in crisis warm this winter.
I want to thank all of our generous listeners who help make Vermont Public Radio one of the strongest and most successful in the country, said VPR President Robin Turnau. The success of this drive sends an incredibly positive message about the power of public radio and our listeners tremendous sense of community.
For more than 20 years, Warmth and CVPS Shareheat have provided emergency heating assistance to families in crisis. These are safety net programs for those who have run out of options for heating their home. The two programs serve about 5,500 families and individuals annually. Last year, the two programs distributed more than $600,000 to families in crisis through Vermont s community action agencies
Membership revenue provides more than half of VPR s $6.3M budget. VPR receives no funding from the State of Vermont and just 10 percent from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. More than 125 volunteers, plus local businesses and restaurants also supported VPR s membership drive with contributions of time, drawing prizes, and food for volunteers and staff.
About VPR
Listener-supported Vermont Public Radio has been serving the people of Vermont and the surrounding region since 1977. As Vermont's only statewide public radio network, VPR is a trusted and independent source for news, music, conversation, NPR programming, and much more. For more information about VPR and VPR Classical, coverage maps, schedules, and streaming audio, visit www.vpr.net.
Source: VPR. 10.27.2009.
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