Non-Profits Seek Emergency Help

Mobile Fundraiser WHIL radio and Mobile’s Animal Rescue Foundation are just two organizations holding special fundraisers to help make ends meet in a tough economy.

by Chad Petri

Published: Fri, June 26, 2009 - 3:29 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, June 26, 2009 - 3:58 pm CST

Volunteers are answering phones at WHIL for a special emergency pledge drive to cover a budget shortfall of $200,000.

“Grants are down, corporate sponsorships are down so it's important that people call in and pledge,” says volunteer Jeannette Ruffles. The goal is to raise $40,000 in a week to avoid silencing popular shows like A Prairie Home Companion or Car Talk.

“All bets are off as far as programming is concerned as to how much money we can make,” says WHIL General Manager Mario Mazza. He says they wouldn't normally hold a pledge drive in the summer, but they're facing some tough times.

“The federal government cut our grant, the state government cut our grant for the radio reading service when you glue all that together that was a significant part of the operational shortfall that we had,” says Mazza. Organizers say, in many cases, these funds have to be raised or the services and programs they provide will have to be cut.

Mobile's Animal Rescue Foundation, ARF, is holding a garage sale Friday and Saturday, June 26th and 27th to raise money. Organizers say they need a shot in the arm to continue helping local animals

“Donations are down because of the economy right now we're not having a lot of volunteers so this is a good way to bring in revenue and we're doing a good job,” says ARF Public Relations Manger Lindsey Carter. It's their first garage sale but it won't be their last as non-profits try to make ends meet. ARF’s garage sale continues Saturday, June 27th, 2009 from 8 am to 3 pm.

If you’d like to donate to WHIL you can give them a call at 1-800- 239-9445. They also want to know what your favorite programs are.

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