The smells of pulled pork and sounds of good music that wafted out of Butterfield Pavilion on Friday, July 27 were no accident. Those were the byproducts of WVLP’s Annual Hog Roast. WVLP is a non-profit, volunteer based radio station that is located in Valparaiso. Each year, the radio station puts on a fundraiser, from which all proceeds go back to the station.
“This is our only fundraiser of the year,” explained Gregg Kovach, Executive Director for WVLP.“All of our funding comes from donations, grants, underwriters and nice people,” he grinned. “Our mission as a radio station is to give back to the community. Not just with music and talk shows, though. We like to give people who want to be on the radio a chance to come and do radio work with us. The best part about this whole thing is bringing in new people and talent!”
Steve Cronk was one of those “new people”. A recently retired principal who taught at Knox and Valparaiso schools, Cronk saw an ad in the paper for an opening for a radio disc jockey.
“My wife convinced me to do it,” he laughed. “When my kids found out they laughed so hard and decided to sponsor my show.”
Seven months later, Cronk is the host of “Blues You Can Use”, a show dedicated to Blues music of the 1920s-1950s on WVLP.
“It’s great,” he said. “This fundraiser is a chance for our radio station to get much needed funding, and for people to meet us.”
Bill Paige couldn’t agree more. His show “Blues Drive” is the longest running show on WVLP. Paige was in attendance at the hog roast that night.
“It’s great to see everyone,” he nods approvingly. “The attendance is good.”
It’s no wonder why. For only $20 a ticket-children ten and under got in for free with a paying adult-guests got a beverage, enjoyed delicious food provided and served by Stongbow Inn (this is where the aforementioned pulled pork came from). There was a very large, very full table of homemade desserts to top off the meal. Throughout the evening there was live entertainment from performers like Walter (Waz) Lisek, Ben Blue, Mickey Camp, Sam Lawson and Shades of Grey. A 50/50 raffle was held- the winner received half of however much money was made that night.
Lots of people showed up to support WVLP. Evie Ames, a math teacher at Kouts High School, was there with her family.
“We were invited by my sister, Barb Claypool. She was involved with the radio station.”
When asked if she was having a good time, Ames replied, “It’s nice…and interesting because this used to be where I would come for 4-H because the fair used to be here. Now I just came from the fair to the Butterfield Pavilion!”
See how powerful word of mouth can be? Good news does indeed travel fast. And speaking of travel, if you want to know more about WVLP travel over to their website by clicking here, check out their Facebook page by following this link or tune in any time of the day or night to WVLP 98.3 FM. Happy listening!
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