Connections

Bringing the community together

The tragic events of September 11 have definitely prompted people to look at the world in a new way.

As a nation, we have united like never before in a spirit of patriotism. As individuals, we have placed renewed emphasis on our relationships with family and friends.

At WHYY, we strive to connect you, our Members, to each other and to enrich your understanding of the issues and circumstances that shape your community. Throughout this time of uncertainty, we have responded to the requests of our viewers and listeners for more public affairs programming on-air by adding two such programs to our weekly television and radio schedules, while maintaining our daily lineup of children's TV programs as a safe haven for our youngest viewers.

Off-air, we have continued to bring the people of the Delaware Valley together through numerous events in our Independence Foundation Civic Space at the WHYY Technology Center and in your communities, connecting people of diverse backgrounds face-to-face to discuss important issues, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Americans celebrate Memorial Day this month, and WHYY has created a very special series of off-air community events designed to bring together residents from across the tri-state region to explore, honor and celebrate our shared history.

Inspired by the American Experience program "War Letters," which examines personal correspondence from every military conflict in American history, these free Civic Space events will unite people of different generations and backgrounds for poignant discussions, hands-on lessons about preserving war letters and a special tribute to those who have served our country.

These "War Letters" events, made possible by the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and several local community partners, are just one example of WHYY's ongoing involvement in the lives of people throughout this great region.

Taking many forms and encompassing all of our service strands, our monthly Civic Space events are at the very core of what we do, distinguishing WHYY as more than just a good TV or radio channel choice.

During the past year, nearly 37,000 people of all ages have attended more than 50 Civic Space events at the WHYY Technology Center and throughout the Delaware Valley. Perhaps one of the greatest gatherings was our Tribute Concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, held five days after the attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C.

The concert helped raise more than $70,000 just at the gate from 6,500 attendees, all of which was donated to the American Red Cross and the Twin Towers Emergency Fund. Through the national broadcast of this event, all involved had the high honor of helping to support the creation of a moment of respite and reflection at a time of unparalleled chaos.

Last month, WHYY held its second "Thank God For Jazz" service at Camden's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This special afternoon of music, originally scheduled for September 11, featured several of the region's most talented local jazz musicians. Inspired by filmmaker Ken Burns' 10-part series Jazz, WHYY created these events through our Arts, Culture & Humanities service to shine a spotlight on our region's rich musical history.

WHYY has a unique ability to turn on-air programs into personal, off-air experiences. Two especially rewarding initiatives this year have been our family album project with Latino students, modeled on the program American Family, and an educational summit with teens, parents and teachers who discussed issues presented in the show Senior Year.

As a Member, you are part of a circle of unique residents who have the opportunity to share their diverse perspectives through these Civic Space events, and consequently, enrich WHYY's work.

These and all of our Civic Space events would not be possible without your ongoing support and that of our many community partners, who share our mission of lifelong learning. These partnerships guide us as we connect each of us to the world's richest ideas and all of us to each other. Thank you for your ongoing support and interest.

Warm regards,
William J. Marrazzo
President and Chief Executive Officer