Newman’s Own Foundation “Challenge Grant” Leads to $234K in Donations for WSHU Public Radio

Submitted by Janice Portentoso A challenge grant from Newman’s Own Foundation inspired 894 WSHU Public Radio listeners to donate over $84,000 in a single day of on-air fundraising in late May. In total, $234,000 was raised in support of the station, making May 23rd one of the most successful, single days of on-air fundraising in WSHU history. “We are truly honored that Newman’s Own Foundation recognizes WSHU for the outstanding service we provide to our community, and offered us this extraordinary fundraising opportunity,” said WSHU General Manager George Lombardi. “And we’re grateful that listeners joined with them in supporting us.” Newman’s Own Foundation is one of the most respected and well-loved philanthropic organizations in our area. Since 1982, when Paul Newman first declared, “Let’s give it all away,” more than $370 million has been donated to thousands of nonprofit organizations helping people in need around the world. Newman’s Own Foundation provided a $75,000 challenge grant to WSHU, and suggested that WSHU leverage the donation two-for-one. Other generous community partners and individuals matched the $75,000 grant, including: Lime Rock Race Park, Robinson & Cole, The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Netherby Advisors, Guilford Fund, Edgard & Geraldine Feder Foundation, Howard Aibel, Marianne Crew, Eileen Roaman, George and Margaret Heintzelman, Cindy Knuth, the Broadcast Society Member Fund and the Leadership Circle Member Fund. The challenge grant, pre-drive matching dollars, and donations made during the May 23rd on-air drive combined to yield $234,000 in support of WSHU. Newman’s Own Foundation staff members worked during the one-day pledge drive, answering telephones and recording pledges. “Paul Newman believed that the independent voice played a critical role in making our world a better place,” said Robert Forrester, President of Newman’s Own Foundation. “We are proud to continue his support of public broadcasting through our funding of WSHU, a station that has served our own community for many years with relevant, quality programming.” The money raised will be used to pay for the NPR News and classical music that WSHU broadcasts.