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Release Date: 
Monday, April 12, 2021

Support WHFR-FM through its annual Radiothon April 18-24

Event Date: 
Sun, 04/18/2021 - 12:00am to Sat, 04/24/2021 - 11:50pm
Location: 
Virtual
An image of WHFR's family tree.
The Family Tree will have many leaves filled in this year as station supporters can choose to engrave a leaf in their name or in honor of someone else.

HFC’s WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) – the College’s home grown, non-commercial, independent radio and Internet broadcast station – is holding its annual pledge drive, Radiothon 2021, from Sunday, April 18, through Saturday, April 24, with a variety of special on-air events scheduled throughout the entire week.

“WHFR Radio has been committed to providing engaging programming that is not heard elsewhere across the Metro Detroit radio spectrum for more than 35 years. With original musical styles from talented and creative area artists and great local talk, we air what other stations don’t,” said HFC Chair of the Department of Communication and Media/WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw.

3 ways to donate to WHFR

As a non-commercial, volunteer-staffed radio station, WHFR is not licensed to sell commercials and must rely on support from HFC and private donations in order to operate. Since WHFR does not receive government funding, more than 60 percent of its operating budget comes from donations.

This annual fundraising event is the radio station’s largest fundraising effort and provides the biggest opportunity to collect much-needed independent funding to run the eclectically programmed radio station, especially since WHFR didn’t hold a pledge drive last year.

There are three easy ways to donate to the radio station during the WHFR Radiothon 2021:
1. On-Air: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2021 is April 18-24 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request a self-addressed envelope (SASE) to be sent directly to you.
2. Online: You may donate securely online here, selecting "WHFR Radiothon" in the list.
3. Mail: Fill out and mail in the pledge form with your contribution at any time.

Purchase a leaf on the WHFR Family Tree

A special exclusive for this year’s radiothon is the WHFR Family Tree. It is the radio station’s most ambitious ongoing fundraiser to date, according to McGraw. The WHFR Family Tree is proudly displayed next to the WHFR radio station entrance in the Student & Culinary Arts Center (Building M) on the main campus as proof of support of all WHFR members, past and present.

WHFR’s goal is to have any person who’s been touched in some way by the radio station (alumni, listeners, station officers, DJs, underwriters) be recognized by a leaf on the Family Tree, becoming an official part of the WHFR Family. Once purchased, you select the inscription you would like to have placed on a brass leaf that will be added to the branches.

Limited Time Radiothon 2021 Offer: Purchase one leaf at the regular price of $270, get a second one FREE. Consider honoring a loved one, special cause, or even sharing a quote that you believe in to be added to the Family Tree.

Strong community roots

“Whether you’ve been enjoying our classical music to help get you through it all or are just thrilled to have our local, independent programming back on the air, know that our roots are firmly planted in our community,” said McGraw. “Listen for special segments highlighting current and former WHFR staffers sharing their ‘home grown’ stories. We’ll also have a new artist spotlight as we continue planting seeds for new musical acts to grow. And, as a special treat, you’ll hear segments with Windy & Carl and Labour Day Weekend, two amazing local groups that WHFR has nurtured over the years.”

Based in Dearborn, Windy & Carl have been fans of WHFR before they started performing as a duo in 1993. WHFR was one of the first radio stations to play their music and has supported them in their long musical career. The duo both play guitars and bass with occasional vocals from Windy. Their latest album, “Allegiance and Conviction” is available on Kranky Records, an independent label in Chicago.

Labour Day Weekend is a Posi-Punk (positive punk) band from Dearborn founded in 2014. They performed on WHFR’s “Live from Studio J” in 2018 and during a WHFR benefit show in 2019.

Beginning Monday, April 19, and throughout the week of Radiothon 2021, WHFR will feature short segments of each band, ranging from their relationship to WHFR, what they are most proud of musically, their future plans, and the importance of supporting the College’s radio station.

“You play a vital role in the growth of WHFR, and we are committed to being your ‘home grown’ radio station, staying true to our roots with local, independent programming for our community,” said McGraw.

For questions or more information, contact McGraw at (313) 845-9842 or scmcgraw@hfcc.edu.