Radio station hosting fifth annual Geo Awards

WRLR 88.3-FM will host the low-power station's fifth annual Geo Awards at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

Named for the late state Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis, the awards program will be at Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way.

WRLR hosts the gathering to honor the people and organizations that have contributed their time, effort and financial support to keep the community station operating. WRLR is an Internal Revenue Service-recognized not-for-profit organization operated by about 80 volunteers.

Individual tickets are available for $25 or a table of eight for $175. The evening will include dinner, awards program and live entertainment.

Popularly known as "Geo," the late Republican politician was an early supporter of WRLR and helped it obtain funding to acquire broadcast equipment.

"We are grateful for our volunteers and sponsors who keep us on the air every day," said WRLR President Bish Krywko. "They are the key to our success."

Award categories vary from year to year and have included quality programming produced in a consistent manner, recognition of volunteers who have given consistent service hours and always have the best interests of WRLR at heart and others who go out of their way to promote the station in the community.

WRLR also recognizes the generosity of numerous businesses or organizations with the "Outstanding Sponsors" award, for their belief in the station's mission to serve the communication needs of local residents, and their role in keeping the station on the air another year through funding or service donations.

To request tickets, email geoawards@wrlr.fm or purchase online at wrlr.fm and use the "donate" on the upper right of the main page.

Headquartered in Round Lake Heights, WRLR 98.3 is a public community radio station. It focuses on the greater Round Lake Area and Chain O' Lakes areas.

Since 2005, the station has grown and now offers roughly 40 locally produced programs.