KSYM tops donation goal by $1,000

The 16th annual KSYM pledge drive officially ended Sunday with promises totaling about $46,000.

"The goal was basically to beat last year's numbers, which we did," John Onderdonk, radio-television-film professor, said Wednesday. Last year, the station raised $45,000.

The pledge drive is a one-week opportunity for the public to make financial donations to the station in return for premiums such as CDs, shirts and gift certificates donated by local businesses. For their donations, the businesses received on-air mention.

The annual event helps the station pay for licensing fees, repairs and new equipment, which contributes to the training provided to radio-television-video-broadcasting students at this college.

Although most promises are made by telephone, nearly $3,000 was pledged using the Internet.

"Total pledges came to about $46,262, and we'll probably see about $40,000 of that," Joey Palacios, KSYM program director, said Monday. Some people pledge and do not follow through with a cash donation.

Each year, the station holds a "Pick Up and Pay" party where donors come to pay their pledge and pick up their gift — if they have not yet done so — while enjoying live music.

The party usually is in June but may occur sooner this year because of an earlier-than-usual pledge drive. Last year's party was at Sam's Burger Joint. This year's location will be announced as soon as a venue is found, Palacios said.

Local bands such as the Krayolas, Lesti Huff Band and Texas Music Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Bush donated time, performing live on air while pleading for pledges along with DJs Crystal Stone of Magic 105.3, Quinn of KISS 99.5 and others. This year's theme was "In Music We Trust."

Although the pledge drive is over, donations are accepted year round. Donors may visit the station on the second floor of Longwith Radio, Television and Film Building to purchase a T-shirt, or visit the Web site at www.ksym.org.