Spring Member Drive 2025

We asked for your help to brace against the uncertainty of future federal funding —and you delivered!

Thank you to everyone who called in, stopped by, or joined online during the “Roots & Wings” Spring Member Drive. Over the past four and a half days, we welcomed 38 new members, 36 sustaining members, and received continued support from 55 renewing members and 129 additional gifts. Together, we raised $47,000 from 260 pledges. 

This is a record amount for the annual Spring Drive! Thank you for believing in the power of independent, non-profit radio!

Our on-air spring membership drive ended at noon on March 17th. Thank you for your support. We are still $3,000 away from our $50,000 goal. Please consider making a donation to ensure the future of independent, non-profit radio. Make a donation online.

Because of you, WTIP is proud to report tremendous community support. In addition to our amazing listener-members, we have many others to thank:

On-air Volunteers who make local radio happen: 

Mark Abrahamson

Deb Benedict

Tracy Benson

Jana Berka

Bill Burkhardt

Rovena Claxton

Peter Clissold

Bill Hansen

Tyler Howell

Adam Kirsch

Abbyzak LeGare

Sherry Lindskoog

Martha Marnocha

Dr Oz E

Joni Peterson

Cathy Quinn

Cory Quirk

Kit Shirley

Carl Solander

Paul Stucker

Rainbow Trout

Steph Vos

Thank you for your time and dedication!

Musicians who amazed us with their performances: Jim McGowan, Adam Kirsch, Frozen Britches, Andy Keith & Kari Carter, Rena Rogers & Mary Lou Sorenson—thank you for sharing your talent!

Local Business Underwriters who support our programs day in and day out—thank you!

Community Support who kept us fed and welcomed in the community: Pat Campanaro, Katie Clark, and Donna Lunke

WTIP Staff, whose passion and commitment make community radio thrive: Sterling Anderson, Matthew Brown, Staci Drouillard, Kalli Hawkins, CJ Heithoff, Josh Hinke, Tom Knutson, Will Moore, Chuck Olsen, Sydney Robinson, Veronica Weadock, and Kirsten Wisniewski. Special thanks to Will Moore, our music director, and Tom Knutson, our sound engineer, for making the live music sound amazing.

WTIP Board Members who generously donated matching gifts to kick off our drive and help drive momentum: Leslie Anderson, Clay Ahrens, Peter Clissold, Bob Svaleson, Carly Puch, Agatha Armstrong, Molly Hicken

Jean Brislance who provided the incredible bird photography

Finally, WTIP’s Founding Members, whose vision and foresight brought local radio to Cook County. Your roots continue to guide us forward as we work to sustain independent radio.

Thank you for listening to, trusting in and supporting WTIP. Your generosity helps us create engaging and meaningful programming for Cook County residents and visitors.