WNZR’s Lifeline 2023 exceeds goal

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (May 15, 2023) — WNZR 90.9 FM, a broadcast ministry of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, is celebrating the success of Lifeline 2023, the radio station’s annual fundraiser.

Lifeline 2023 was held March 29-April 3, with a goal of $65,000. This year’s effort has brought in $85,423 to date, and the total continues to rise. Blessed with 260 ministry partners, the WNZR staff was greatly encouraged and extremely thankful for the community’s support.

There were 29 first-time donors, 226 continued supporters, and 5 increased pledges, demonstrating that God is continually reaching new people and families through WNZR.

The funds raised will help support WNZR staffing of a full-time assistant station manager, a part-time office manager, plus summer and 2023-24 student leadership. Lifeline funds are also used for equipment upgrade and repair, hosting for the station’s website and apps, online music streaming fees, maintaining the station’s remote vehicle and video stream initiatives through WNZR.tv.

“Your support and encouragement of Lifeline 2023 is so appreciated,” said WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart. “Your partnership allows WNZR to broadcast and minister to the community throughout the year. Thank you for joining us to share stories of God’s faithfulness. Thank you for being part of our story!” 

This year’s theme was God Is In This Story, based on the song from Katy Nichole and Big Daddy Weave. The song lyrics amplify that in our highs and lows, God’s already gone before us. Isaiah 41:10, the Lifeline 2023 theme verse, echoes God’s promise that He will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us.

Official fundraising days were March 30-31 and April 3. WNZR held numerous special events, including the Lifeline Choice Challenge, which offered gift certificates to those pledging $150 or more. On the Matching Challenge Day, over $38,000 was raised as listener pledges were matched by several generous donors in the community.

“Your support of our ministry means the world to us. Because of you, I am able to spread the word of Christ and grow in my faith through WNZR,” said Ricky Geyer, a Junior Communications & Media (Digital Media) Major from Fremont, Ohio. “Thank you for all that you’ve done in my life as well as the lives of students past, present, and future!” 

“Lifeline 2023 has been another example of how meaningful the partnership is between our listeners and our team,” said MVNU Director of Broadcasting Joe Rinehart. “I’m beyond grateful to those who continue to support our radio ministry. Your support is humbling. The growth of WNZR over the last 36 years has been amazing, and I’m excited to see and be part of what God will do next.” 

Pictures and videos from Lifeline 2023 are available at wnzr.fm and on WNZR’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

WNZR 90.9 FM is celebrating 36 years as Knox County’s hometown Christian radio station. WNZR broadcasts contemporary Christian music, family-oriented programs, sports, news, and weather 24 hours a day. All who wish to support Lifeline 2023 or who would like more information, please visit wnzr.fm or call WNZR at 740-392-9090.

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