The Great Conversation

I hadn’t thought of it like this before but the scenery completely changes with a gift to these wonderful music services of ours.

I believe there’s truth to the adage that philanthropy is an act of faith, hope and charity (if you know your Latin, Fides, Spes et Caritas) which changes not only the recipient but the giver as well. It is an investment in the future and a vision. I believe these “owners” experience us completely differently after a gift. They hear the music and react to the hosts in a much more intimate way. They transform their own vision and landscape by the act of giving as well. We in the trenches are certainly buoyed by the whole process. Let me put it this way, we should be.

Membership drives are indeed hard. They kick the stuffing out of us and push us way out of our comfort zone. But, I hope they never go away. (yes! to greater efficiency and as short as possible) They connect us to our community in a way that simply cannot be duplicated. These ‘great conversations’ are vital.

Our station here in Portland is about to enter our 3rd day of a projected 10 day drive, with a goal of $450,000. With a nifty little early bird pre-drive effort, we’re already 28% of the way towards our goal. We’re feeling renewed and inspired by the gifts and the conversation.

What was once a carousel ride is now a gallop along the Moldau.

Onward & upward!

P.S. Thanks to the volunteers at our stations who labor by our sides. They get this message a thousand fold. We could not do this without them.