Lake County community radio station WRLR to salute supporters
On Friday, Aug. 28, WRLR 98.3 will be hosting its sixth annual Geo Awards. This is a signature fundraiser for WRLR, a local public community radio station. This event is held to honor volunteer members, businesses and organizations who have contributed their time, effort and financial support to keeping the station operating, and making WRLR a unique and vibrant radio station.
Individual tickets are available for $30, two for $50, or a table of eight for $200.
The event will is at 6:30 p.m. at Parkway Banquets, 25212 W. Lakeshore Drive (on Long Lake), in Ingleside.
WRLR is a public community radio station based in Round Lake Heights that serves most of Lake County, focusing on the Greater Round Lake and Chain O' Lakes areas. WRLR is an IRS recognized not-for-profit organization that is operated by more than 80 volunteers. Since 2005, the station has grown and now offers over 40 locally produced programs. The potential listening audience is over 250,000 in the broadcast area, and includes a global audience with access to the station through live streaming on the station's website or via WRLR's Android application (available in the Google Play Store).
For the past 10 years WRLR has been connecting people to community organizations such as chambers of commerce, libraries, school districts, public safety organizations, Metra rail and more. WRLR provides news/talk shows, and eclectic programming. The station provides tours to local youth groups, like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to promote careers in broadcasting and communications fields. WRLR's training/internship program makes it possible for local residents to have an opportunity to develop their own show concepts and produce their own programs on live radio. The station has several student interns, both high school and college, working throughout the year. WRLR has been recognized for its volunteerism spirit and was a Governor's Home Town Award nominee.
WRLR regularly participates in community events such as parades, festivals, high school sports, and secures interesting interviews with local athletes, leaders, government officials, and broadcasts local candidate forums and covers election results. One of WRLR's missions is to showcase local musical talent. Many producers bring in local talent for on-air interviews. Some end up performing at the Geo Awards which showcases local talent as well. The Geo Awards recognizes volunteers, exceptional programming, and other good work honorees do in the community. There is also an ongoing Renovation Project that includes opening a second studio space to accommodate local bands for their on-air interviews and mini concerts, and rebuilding a second level into a multipurpose area for training, meetings, and community events.
The evening will include dinner, an awards program and live entertainment. To request tickets or information, email GeoAwards@wrlr.fm or purchase tickets online at www.WRLR.fm and use the "donate" button located on the upper right hand side of the main page (add $3 for a processing fee). Information is also available at (224) 338-9757. Those unable to attend can make a tax-deductible donation online. Checks can also be mailed to Geo Awards-WRLR 98.3, PO Box 98, Round Lake, IL 60073.