KMIT and KUQL radio stations, along with the Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund, were recently awarded the South Dakota Broadcasters Association Community Enhancement Award for 2021. The SDBA annually encourages members to nominate a worthy project, organization, or individual that provides a significant and identifiable benefit within the station group’s listening or coverage area. Nominating stations compete for $2,000 to be given to the local cause of their choice. Awards are judged by community leaders on the impact, creativity, other resources leveraged, and other criteria.
From this year’s winning nomination, “The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund’s annual Radiothon raises a significant portion of the money needed each year to fund scholarships for every graduating student in Mitchell who wishes to continue education beyond high school. Since its inception in 2001, the Fund has awarded scholarships totaling $1,102,300 with the vast majority of that money coming from the annual Radiothon which began in 2004. 2,133 students have been awarded scholarships since the program began.”
The MCSF annual Radiothon, in partnership with KMIT and KUQL, raises a significant portion of the money needed each year to fund the scholarships. The most recent event, held February 22, 2021, raised the highest total of any in its 18-year history: $73,140. Working with the radio station staff, promotions are aired for several days in advance of the event. Held on the last Monday in February, the Radiothon is a one-day event which encourages listeners to call in pledges and register for door prizes.
According to Radiothon chair Julie Brookbank, “KMIT and KUQL are critical to the success of this annual event. Because the station has supported the Fund with so much airtime and talent for more than 18 years, hundreds of Mitchell students have received scholarships to support their education.”
Station general manager Chris Hilson and operations manager Steve Morgan presented the cash award to representatives of MCSF Julie Brookbank and Marla Smith. The money will be used to kickstart the 2022 MCSF Radiothon scheduled for February 28.