WBFO Sets Record With Fall Membership Drive

BUFFALO, N.Y. --WBFO 88.7 FM, the National Public Radio affiliate operated by the University at Buffalo, set a record with its recently completed Fall Membership Drive, raising more than $160,000.

The $161,620 raised during the Oct. 19-26 fund drive included almost $37,000 pledged online, also a record amount, noted Joan Wilson, WBFO development director and co-leader of the Fall Membership Drive with Program Director David Benders. More than 500 new members joined the station during the drive.

Jennifer Roth, WBFO general manager, pointed out that two challenge grants helped the station reach its goal: $13,000 contributed by the WBFO Advisory Board toward a challenge grant to raise 130 memberships at $100 each, and $1,300 contributed by UB President William R. Greiner - UB's 13th president -- toward "The Lucky 13 Challenge" aiming for 13 new members at $100 each.

"This was another 'best-ever' in WBFO's 41-year history -- our most successful membership drive," said Roth. "We're thrilled by the outpouring of support and grateful to each and every listener who stepped forward with a contribution to keep WBFO strong and growing even stronger.

"It was a fabulous team effort -- staff and volunteers and listeners -- coming through for WBFO."

Added Benders: "Western New York knows a good thing when they hear it, and we're thankful for the community's support. WBFO's combination of jazz, NPR and local news, and programming from PRI -- like 'This American Life' and 'Marketplace' -- strikes a chord and our community has responded."

Revenue obtained through fundraising comprises 56 percent of WBFO's operating budget, Roth noted, with membership contributions making up 38 percent and local business contributions 18 percent.