Thank You Thursday
Volunteers take calls in the KUT pledgroom during the Fall Membership Drive. Every day on KUT you hear thoughtful coverage of the day’s news, and you discover music you wouldn’t have known about if you weren’t listening to 90.5.
Your investment in KUT, whether it’s in dollars or time, comes back to you in the programming you hear every day. Know that you are supporting the programs that you rely on: coverage of breaking news, intelligent talk shows and a world of music.
Our Membership Drives also give our staff time work alongside our volunteer as pledge captains. At any given time during the day, staff will pop in to say hi. Bob Branson will also give volunteers a tour of the On-Air studio! We asked KUT staff what they thought of our volunteers.
Volunteers with Membership Director Holly Gaete. Photo by Dee Kapila
“Lots of workplaces talk about that feeling of ‘family’, but you don’t know the half of it unless you’ve spent some time during a pledge drive here. One of the little joys of each fundraiser is reconnecting with the familiar names and faces we see at each pledge drive, sharing news and stories and laughs—the volunteers truly are like family. Their enthusiasm–their pure love and passion for KUT–that’s what public radio’s all about. Huge thanks to our volunteers. We love y’all.” -David Brown, Executive Producer and Host of Texas Music Matters
“We really rely on our volunteers during the drive – we have more than 300 folks come in at all hours to donate their time to help KUT. I couldn’t ask for better volunteers. They are wonderful, loyal, fun …and keep us positive and laughing for the entire drive!” -Kim Cates, Volunteer Coordinator
“I’m amazed at the dedication and generosity of our volunteers. On top of that, they seem to know even more about KUT than I do! Having been here for only 2 years, I always learn some new interesting fact or find out about an interesting special we did from years ago from a KUT membership drive volunteer. Our volunteers are a very important part of our legacy and history. Being able to work with them from time to time reminds me that we are so lucky to be a part of such a rich and vibrant local community. Thank you for all you do!” - Dee Kapila, Web Manager
“Volunteers are an integral part of our membership drive……they keep the staff connected to the community….we certainly appreciate their time, their passion and their dedication. Thank you!” -Jay Trachtenberg, Music with Jay Trachtenberg
“One big surprise about working at KUT has been how much I enjoy meeting the volunteers. They’re such a fun group of people that I actually look forward to working in the pledge room, just to share some laughs and have some interesting conversations!” -Mose Buchele
“It’s an amazing feeling just to know people want to help support what we do with their donations. The idea that someone would take off work to help us takes that to a higher level. We could not do this without you. THANKS!” – Ben Philpott, Senior Reporter
“We love the fund drives, because we get to hear from so many listeners — and with our volunteers we get to meet them in person! Thank you all so much!” -Stewart Vanderwilt, General Manager
“I am always amazed at how KUT’s pledge drive volunteers give so freely of their time, and how they do it with a great attitude. They are always such enlightened, well-informed people, which makes them great people to speak with. I think it says a lot about how intelligent and civically minded our audience is, and it makes me even more proud to be able to do my job.” -Nathan Bernier, Senior Reporter, KUT News
“I enjoy working with volunteers because they make my job fun. The volunteers we see regularly become part of the KUT family. I’m so grateful for the people who make KUT what it is.” -Holly Gaete, Membership Director
We are also really lucky at KUT to have a really fabulous and extensive group of volunteers. Throughout the year, our volunteers help us out with our special events. It’s during our Membership Drives that our volunteers really shine. We couldn’t have a successful Membership Drive without them.
So we popped in the pledge room to day to ask what their favorite program was and why they volunteer for KUT. If you’re wondering how to get involved volunteering with KUT, check out our Volunteer page.
KUT's Mike Lee with volunteer, and Mom, Rudi Lee. Photo by Dee Kapila
“My day always starts with KUT! I rely on NPR for in-depth news. It’s fun to answer phones. My tw
o favorite programs are Eklektikos (John Aielli was the first man I fell for after moving to Texas), and Fresh Air.” -Elizabeth Romanella
“It’s my favorite way of giving back, and saying ‘Thank You’ for the great music and programs. Plus, I think it’s fun! I love Jay Trachtenberg choice of music and Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me are my favorite programs.”-Rudi Lee
“The shows, features and news reports are excellent. KUT is an important part of my day. The volunteer staff members are helpful, encouraging and knowledgeable. My favorite programs are Eklektikos and Horizontes.” -Sharon Brown
“I just love NPR. My favorite program is All Things Considered.” -Kathi Miller
“I love KUT. It’s fun [to volunteer], and I meet great people. My favorite program is Folkways and all NPR programming.” -Claudia Corum
KUT pledge room. Photo by Dee Kapila
“[Cousin] Nancy Yeomans asks me to volunteer! I listen all the time and all programs are my favorite.” -Jeffrey Howell
“It’s fun and I meet nice people. My favorite programs Fresh Air, Car Talk and Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me.” -Nancy Yeomans
“I volunteer because I cannot donate as much as I’d like; it’s fun to meet other KUT listeners and the coffee! This American Life, On Being, Under Currents, On the Media, O’Dark 30, Global Grooves and the midnight-3 a.m. programs.” -Emil Ottis
“I believe in NPR and KUT is the only Austin radio station that I listen to. My favorite program is Car Talk.” -Jeff McManus
