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Radio Manager Taking Quest for Cash to the Top
KGHP-FM station manager Spencer "The Walrus" Abersold will spend a week hiking from Owens Beach in Point Defiance Park to Mount Rainier's 14,411-foot summit to raise operating funds for his station.
Anyone familiar with public radio’s financial plight knows how hard it is to keep a broadcast signal alive in today’s economy. It’s like trying to squeeze money out of Congress.
But that’s not stopping station manager Spencer Abersold from going the extra mile for Gig Harbor’s public-radio station next week.
Known to Puget Sound listeners as “the Walrus,” Abersold will attempt a “Sound to Summit Walk” from Owens Beach in Point Defiance Park to the summit of Mount Rainier starting at noon on Monday, June 13.
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His goal is to raise one dollar for every foot of elevation he climbs. That’s $14,411 to the top.
“I am attempting to raise money for our public radio station, which is threatened with possible closure if our community does not come up with the funds to keep us operational,” Abersold said in a message posted on the station’s website.
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Absersold, who will be doing a live broadcast along the way, said the funds will be used for operating expenses and also serve as a sign of support for the local business that underwrite the station throughout the year.
“You can help our station out by purchasing a T-shirt or dedicating a song to me while I am on my walk,” Abersold said, “or just a straight donation of one dollar will go a long way.”
Abersold said the public is welcome to join him on his trek.
KGHP-FM gives students within the and volunteers within Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula access to education and tools used in the broadcasting arts.
“Our hope is that students will embrace broadcasting and develop talents to further their passion for radio, and we want to be the hand that helps them do so,” Abersold said.
Staffed mainly by students and volunteers, KGHP-FM offers an eclectic selection of jazz, blues, reggae, roots and Americana, classic rock, vintage music and local sports.
The station also is a local source for emergency information, ranging from school closures and snow days to environmental disasters. Its operation depends on financial contributions and sponsorships from local underwriters.
Those wishing to contribute to the station may do so online by visiting KGHP.org.