Words recently shared by listeners when describing what STAR 99.1 means to them:
CURRENT SITUATION
Our new fiscal year began on July 1, 2022 and will end on June 30, 2023.
To date, the majority of STAR 99.1s operating funds are credited to individual partners who support the ministry with one-time gifts, monthly pledges, or a combination of both. Additionally, we have received financial support through donor advised funds, IRA contributions, stock and corporate matching gifts.
Of note, two lead gifts for much needed studio upgrades have been received. The balance of STAR 99.1 revenue is gleaned from businesses (on-air ads).
National and global events, as well as inflation and economic forecasts, have been headliners in all of our daily newsfeeds. As you might imagine, this uncertainty has affected ministry funding particularly over the last several months.
APPROACH
Loneliness. Stress. Worry. Loss. Illness. Hopelessness. The needs are many, however, these are a few that listeners have shared with us.
It’s truly humbling when listeners tell us they heard the “right song at the right time.” It’s not a coincidence. It’s the Lord using this ministry to touch people – whether through words spoken by our on-air team, through the uplifting songs, or through shared prayer.
As for reach – did you know that STAR 99.1 has 10 million listeners within our radio signal? This represents a tremendous ministry opportunity to encourage many, many people into a growing relationship with Jesus. To this end, we have been working on studio updates that will help us increase our reach from approximately 500,000 listeners per week to 1 million. Moreover, we are investing in digital media to ensure that we reach listeners through every channel available to us.
OUR RESPONSE
WAWZ is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit that has been serving the Tri-State Area since 1931 – we’ve been there during wars, economic uncertainties, societal changes, and a global pandemic. We remain committed to sharing a message of encouragement and hope that’s ultimately found in a relationship with Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith.
This February marks 20 years since STAR 99.1 led the way for delivering contemporary Christian music and concerts to the NY/NJ metro region. This is particularly significant because it was during a time when the Northeast was considered “spiritually dead” and venues were unable to draw large crowds to events hosting Christian artists.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our format change, which was considered a bold move at the time, we’d like to share a quote from a listener named, Calla. It’s particularly relevant because she’s in her 20s and has been listening to STAR 99.1 for years.
“I have been listening to this station pretty much my whole life since I was little kid. Now that I'm in my 20s, it is a consistent encouragement to me as I drive to and from work, visiting friends and family, and so on. God has and will continue to use Star 99.1 as a light in this dark world. When people need hope, we can point them to the One who can help in the midst of good and hard times. Thank you so much for all you do.”
In closing, I would like to share a brief financial update. Although year-end gifts are usually the strongest for revenue, December giving was down. As a result, we have a gap that has carried into this quarter. Although this is a challenge, we are trusting in God’s provision and reminded of the importance of sharing this financial need with our closest friends and supporters. I am writing to you today to ask that you consider coming alongside us with a gift this season, as together, we continue to deliver the transformative message of hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Praying the Lord richly blesses you and your family!
STAR 99.1/WAWZ is a service of Pillar Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
STAR 99.1 gratefully accepts gifts by will or bequest.
