Congratulations to our 2002 Underwriters of the Year!

Spokane Public Radio relies mainly on you — listeners and members — to pay for programming, equipment, and other necessary expenses. But some of the bills are paid by responsible businesses investing in KPBX and KSFC.

We acknowledge these underwriters with announcements on the air before and after the programs they support, and with listings in the Program Guide and on our web site. We would also like to acknowledge Dutch’s Musical Instruments and Cathedral and the Arts as our 2002 Underwriters of the Year. They were recognized at the Underwriter and Volunteer Thank-You Concert, the Piano Summit June 2, 2002.

Dutch's Musical Instruments

General Manager and President Dick Kunkel (left) thanks Gary Singer for his support of Spokane Public Radio.

Regular listeners to KPBX might have caught the name “Dutch’s Musical Instruments” during shows such as the Guitar Hour and on R&V Sale announcements. Those who can hear the low-powered KSFC also hear the name of the business in underwriting announcements.

What listeners don’t hear is the name Gary Singer. This community-minded business owner contributes to several organizations, and is active on the boards of both Spokane Public Radio and the Second Harvest Food Bank. He is currently the SPR Vice Chair, and in 2000 he won the Hunger’s Hope award, given to one national food bank member for special service.

“Dutch’s isn’t a huge corporation, but Gary does his part to support the community,” says underwriting director Kathy Sackett. The store opened in Spokane in 1915, and Singer is the third-generation owner.

Under Singer’s direction, Dutch’s has underwritten a wide variety of programming.

“I feel public radio is more of a national resource, something every community needs to make it more livable,” Singer says. “It’s the responsibility of the community to support it.” He also sends that message to listeners twice a year on the KPBX pledge drives, encouraging more people to become members.

Singer says some of his favorite programs are NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition.

The Cathedral and the Arts

Verne Windham (right) presents the award to three past presidents of Cathedral and the Arts: (from left) Grant W. Smith, Elaine Foerster, and Jonathan Holloway.

The Cathedral of St. John overlooks most of Spokane from its perch on the South Hill, but it is more than the home of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane. The landmark’s acoustics and grand organ make it a unique venue for an annual series of concerts, presented by The Cathedral and the Arts.

Executive Director Gertrude Harvey uses the underwriting announcements on Spokane Public Radio to share word of their events with the KPBX listening audience – one that appreciates both traditional and new music.

“KPBX listeners obviously value high quality, diversity in programming,” Harvey says. “They demonstrate an interest in preserving the best of the past – as in our annual silent film event with organ, and a willingness to look to the future – as in our new music programs and concerts that offer special performance opportunities for young musicians. We think that our organization is a perfect fit with KPBX listeners.”

Underwriting representative Nancy Roth agrees. “Our roles are similar, in producing and presenting to the community the best and most enriching performances the region has to offer. We have collaborated in many ways over the years, and the station is happy to have this opportunity to celebrate our partnership.”