KRFY sets fundraising drive

88.5 KRFY, the only noncommercial, independent radio station in Boundary and Bonner counties, is hosting its “Fund Drive '25” during Memorial Day week from Tuesday, May 27, to Friday, May 30.

The annual event draws attention to the importance of independent media and the entertainment, informational, and educational roles that 88.5 KRFY plays in the North Idaho community. Without the support of community members, local nonprofits, and businesses the radio station would not be able to continue doing what it has been successfully doing since 2011, station manager Suzy Prez said.

The specific need for this year’s fund drive is to raise enough funds to pay for a new transmitter and an uninterruptible power supply to keep the station on the air even in the event of an electrical outage. 

This year’s annual membership drive covers four days with “on air” programming with live broadcasting by Morning Show hosts and special guests from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Special guests will include such local nonprofits as the Long Bridge Swim, Rock Creek Alliance, Trout Unlimited, and Kaniksu Land Trust.

The live broadcasting by local programmers will continue in the evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with local musicians providing lively conversation and music. The musicians include the Mike Wagoner Band, the Powell Brothers, Truck Mills, the Paranormal Daves, Karen Atkins, and more.

The four days will conclude with a closing event Friday from 5-8 p.m.  at the Idaho Pour Authority on Cedar Street with libations provided by Utara Brewing. There will be three baskets — On the Town, Gardening, and Outdoor Activities — up for auction. Also, everyone who is a new member or who renewed their membership during this fund drive will automatically be entered in a raffle for a beautiful quilt.

"Now more than ever, independent media such as 88.5 KRFY matter," Prez said.