Annual auction at student operated radio station set for May 21
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| Plymouth Canton students present one of the multiple radio programs available at 88.1 The Park Radio, a station owned by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. |
There will be autographed sports memorabilia, restaurant gift cards and goods and services from businesses throughout the Plymouth Canton area during the 33rd Annual 88.1 The Park Radio Auction. Students at the Plymouth Canton Educational Park radio station are preparing for the largest fundraising event of the year and hoping to surpass the $25,000 record funding generated during the event last year. During the day-long event, which continues from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., listeners can bid on items donated by local businesses. A dream board with more unique items will be available for bidding throughout the event, organizers said.
The success of the fundraising last year was due to the generosity of local businesses, 88.1 alumnus and listeners, organizers said. Local businesses and residents still have time to support the student radio station by donating items and businesses that donate can benefit from the exposure they will receive on 88.1 The Park. The auction is sponsored this year by Community Financial Credit Union and Neehee's Indian Vegetarian Street Food.
Todd Chatman, a graduate of the Plymouth-Salem class of 1983, is now the director of Cause and Ministry Development at ShareMedia Services. He credits his time at The Park for his success.
“WSDP set the course for my gratifying 30+ year career in broadcasting. The practical, hands-on experience I received gave me an advantage in landing my first paid radio job...Even if your career goals don't include broadcasting or media, the skills you'll craft at WSDP will benefit you the rest of your life. And, it's just a whole lot of fun, too,” Chatman said.
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring a half-hour or hour of the auction can e-mail Station Manager Bill Keith, at bill.keith@pccsk12.com. Businesses willing to display an auction flyer can also contact the station. “The auction is a great reminder of the impact the station has had in the lives of students. The station's alums have stepped up to match half hours of the auction. They also hope to add more alumni matchers in the weeks ahead,” Keith said.
“We want to thank everyone that has supported us over the years. The auction has become such a big part of our fundraising. This is our biggest fundraiser and we couldn't do it without the generous support of local businesses and our listeners,” Keith concluded.
The auction is also available via the station's live web feed at www.881ThePark.com. The website will also feature a complete list of auction items. 88.1 The Park is owned and operated by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is staffed by students at Canton, Plymouth and Salem high schools. The station features Plymouth and Canton's Hit Music, hourly local news, live broadcasts from the community, and high school sports.
