Hello friends!

I have been a DJ for CHIRP Radio since we launched our online stream in January of 2010. For almost 6 years, I have been coming in to the studio with handpicked tracks to broadcast to internet connections all over the world. I've had friends listening as far away as Utah, the UK, and even New Zealand, or as close as Chicago's own Ravenswood neighborhood. In addition to that, I have worked in CHIRP's news department, represented CHIRP at public events at the CHIRP table, written hundreds of CD reviews for our library, a few posts for the blog reviewing concerts, or sharing top ten lists or memories, and even helped produce a live storytelling series at Martyr's to raise money for the station. Since its inception CHIRP has worked to maintain a presence in the community through hosting events, putting our stamp of approval on locally-sponsored shows, show-cased local underground artists and Chicago's endless archive of classic local artists, and remained commercial free this whole time. The only time you hear the music stop is when the DJ reads you the name of the songs you just heard, as a way of engaging you with music you might not know, or to alert you to public service announcements or things going on in your community. 

Since we are an all-volunteer non-profit radio station, and since we do not play paid advertisements on the air, we need your help. CHIRP is about to cross that exciting threshold we have been working towards since our early days of lobbying for the Low Power FM Radio Act. We have secured a broadcast license and are building a radio tower. We have a dial on FM radio (107.1). On October 7 at 1PM, we will be broadcasting live in a low-power radius on Chicago's north side. We did it, and we couldn't have done it without your help. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped so far either by making one-time donations, becoming a paid member, or even joining CHIRP as a volunteer to help spread the word. You are invaluable to us and we appreciate you so much. With that in mind, please consider helping us once again to finish what we started. In order to pay for the tower we are custom-building for CHIRP, we are kicking off our fall campaign in style.

With this fancy new personalized social media fundraising page, I can keep track of all of the gifts you are making and it is easier for me to see which gifts are coming from my specific base. I am hoping to (1) get 10 friends to become recurring CHIRP paid members, or (2) raise $250 for this season's fundraiser. Obviously I don't want to stop there, and if one generous person just donated that right away, I would keep going, but if just 10 people donated $25 you would be helping me reach my goal. Or if 25 of my friends donated $10, that would be great too. 

In fact, another way you could help is to send this page to all of your support networks and let them know your dear friend is trying to help out the radio station that does so much for Chicago and means so much to him.

CHIRP is a listener-supported radio station -- your gifts make everything we do possible!  Please make a special gift supporting our fall fundraising campaign today so we can continue to bring you great music and events -- and you'll help us launch our broadcast at 107.1FM.

If you would like to make a recurring donation or select a fall campaign thank you gift, please visit CHIRP’s main donation page to make your contribution (and don’t forget the enter the name of the CHIRP Volunteer or DJ in the “How did you hear about CHIRP” section so they can receive credit for your gift!)