On Monday, November 28 I had a great time volunteering at WTTW with The Saints, Volunteers for the Performing. I met some great people, talked with some patient and generous donors on the phone. Best of all, I had a chance to meet Rick Steves, whose European Christmas reminded me of holiday times spent in Europe many years ago. He inspired me to get my passport renewed!

I am an avid WTTW watcher and although it isn't always possible to contribute financially,perhaps some of my time might be useful to you. Your programs are always outstanding. Since I will be retiring in the future,I wanted to through my hat into the ring of volunteerism. WTTW is a beginning. Thank you.

The Special Events Committee of the Columbia College Chicago Alumni Association decided to do a community service project this year, and we chose to donate our time to WTTW's pledge drive. We enjoyed getting together, having dinner beforehand, and then spending time answering phones. We had such a good time, we hope to do it again.

I have been volunteering for the WTTW pledge drives for over a year now. I enjoy the experiene each time. I not only help support a wonderful station and excellent programming, but I get the opportunity to speak to the people who feel the same way, through their pledges. I have met local personalities that have presented intelligent and enriching shows for many years, and it makes me even more enthusiastic about WTTW. I have even become good friends with one of my fellow volunteers and we have been able to see the various sets from Ebert at the Movies,Chicago Tonight and Soundstage. It is a great experience to be a part of Chicago's WTTW and give my time to such an outstanding cultural phenomenon

Hi My Name Is Tommie Williams and Yesterday me and my School Had Came To Your Studio New Millennium School Of Health.We had Fun in all but i love it when you all took time out to show us how to work the lines and it was wonderful. I Had a good time being there but it's my time to go and thanks for letting me and my school come and be on T.V Last Night

I would like to share some very kind words from a man that we met at the WTTW Pledge Drive on November 27th during the airing of Yanni: A Living Legacy. His professional storytelling name is “The Gem Hunter”. He was there taking pledges with his group the “Toastmasters” along with us “The Yanni Fan Club”. We all had a lot of fun and the phones kept us busy.

The Gem Hunter was so nice to take a couple of our group pictures (Thank You), we appreciate it. When I emailed him the next day to get copies of the group pictures he sent me a beautiful email. I asked permission if I could share it with all of you and he said “yes”. Thank you Gem Hunter and I hope we get to meet you again at the next WTTW pledge drive. You have a very kind soul.

Kathy C.-Chicago

So here are his word:


It was wonderful meeting you and your Yanni Fan Club as well. To be honest with you I knew of Yanni and heard some of his music in the past, but I never really ever listened to him....that is until I met you guys. I found your group's passion contagious.

When I got home I watched the show that I recorded earlier, and instead of fast forwarding to the important part....me (smile) I found myself actually spellbound watching and listening to his music.

Wow Yanni does puts on quite a performance! As a "storyteller" I found myself moved by Yanni's passion and clarity of purpose. Now that I know something about the Man, it made his music all the more important.

He is literally bringing people and cultures together by use of his music. I think I have become a Yanni Fan, and as such, I'm sure you won't be surprised if you see me at a future Yanni concert or the next Fund Raising Drive with some sort of Yanni shirt on.


Thank you for the inspiration------


I would love for Yanni to know how his music touches so many people. I told a story a few weeks ago to an audience about 150 Toastmasters and guests entitled "Creating Your Symphony".

In this story I discussed Mozart and how he only lived for thirty-five years but in that short time he created over 600 pieces of music. Music so profound that over 219 years later it still touches and inspires people all over the World. Yanni music and his words feel just like that to me.

Sincerely,
The Gem Hunter

I have volunteered several times in the past for a WTTW pledge drive, but last night's (Sunday November 28, 2010) will forever live in my heart. Peter Yarrow was an in-studio guest while his special aired. I will never forget his warmth in agreeing to speak to the on phone pledge contributors and getting the volunteers "on camera" while talking to them. Mr. Yarrow was so personable and giving to all. Thank you Peter Yarrow for the kind words spoken to me and kiss on my forehead and thank you to WTTW for making my holiday season a little brighter in the "heart" department!

I have volunteered during the time of telephone
systems only I can say that I helped to collect
dozens of pledges for WTTW. It was a priviledge. Now since I do not need Cable TV I depend soley
on good HD Programing from WTTW Channels 11.1,
11.2,11.3 and of course Vme. I am so grateful that
volunteering from time to time I can contribute
and show my appreciation for a grate cause like WTTW Who are commited to good Television programing for Illinois and much more.

I had the privilege of volunteering for a few pledge drives; when the old system was in place, and thereafter, when the new system was integrated --what a difference! The most interesting part of volunteering is meeting people from all walks of life. You realize that this world is not so bad afterall, and that there are still those who want to help out in whatever way they can. What better way to help WTTW than to spend a few hours at the studio, meeting people, staff, and learning about what goes on in a studio. The experience is awesome. I was a bit nervous at first, but once you've been there a couple times, it gets easier and fun. I highly recommend this experience to everyone I know. Thanks to WTTW, we are able to watch educational programs, with very little commercial interruption. Thanks to WTTW, we can see the world, without spending money on airfare!

As part of the NICB gives back initiative, volunteering for WTTW 11 seemed like a great fit; we've all grown up watching its amazing programs!

My story is posted, however you did not get the photo.

It has always been a pleasure volunteering for WTTW's pledge drives -- especially now that everything is computerized (no one has to deal with my horrendous handwriting :)). The thing I especially enjoy is mingling with everyone during breaks and ice-cream socials, and learning about their culture, the type of jobs they do, but most importantly the reasons why they volunteer for WTTW. I love the diversity of the people, and it's truly a wonderful environment-- it's amazing how we can get along when we have a common goal in mind. The staff at WTTW are very friendly, and the tours provided at the studio are very enlightening. I've never thought about going into TV broadcasting, but it appears to be a big challenge, and a lot of work goes into appearing on TV, and I commend everyone who works in this field. The volunteer cooordinators do a great job getting sponsors to donate our meals and treats -- thanks. I also want to send out a special thanks to those who serve our meals when everyone else is back home relaxing -- thanks a bunch! One suggestion I do have is that WTTW engage in showing bilingual programs (for the most commonly-spoken languages in Chicago), to increase its audience. It would also help if you would advertise volunteering opportunities, of which many people (especially the Spanish community) are not aware of.

I started volunteering because I don't have the money to donate as much or as often as I'd like to so I figured I could still be of help as a volunteer. In the capacity of taking calls during the pledge drive--I enjoy talking to different people, hearing about how much they're enjoying the featured program(s) and/or their gratitude for WTTW's existence; however, I would be glad to help in other ways as needed. It has been very interesting and I'd like to learn more about the workings of WTTW!

Did they ever tell you that a blind man from our SRV group took pledges here at channel 11. Paul Sher would take a call, and write the info with his stylus on his special paper. After finishing the call, he and his wife Anne, would turn off their phones, and Paul would dictate the info to Anne who wrote the pledge form. We never had a call back for errors on a pledge that Paul took. This goes back about 5-6 years, so you may still have pledge tapes in your archives. Walt

Ravenswood Masonic Lodge, volunteered 3 times last year and everybody enjoyed it. We're looking forward to participate again.
I tried to attach only the first group photo, but the whole file printed.

Thank you to all the pledgers in the Chicagoland area that keep WTTW Channel 11 on the air. As a volunteer at several pledge drives,it's a pleasure to take your calls and hear your stories as to how much WTTW means to you and your family.

I'm the third generation of supporting WTTW, and I know my children will support them as well.

I could go on and on how important WTTW is to all of us for educational shows, political views, Chicago history, and documentaries on international trips around the world, but I'll make mention of another area WTTW brings to our homes....music! Here is a shot of Roni BENISE who was live in the Studio on 3/15/10.

Thank You WTTW for bringing great talent, education, and family viewing to all of our homes.

I recommend to any viewer that can make it to the studio to please do so. It's a great way to spend an evening with interesting people while giving back to WTTW for the many decades of fine television they have produced for the viewers.

gary mertz

Pledge drives have offered me a great chance to bring friends together for something we all care about. We have met new people, learned about new programs, and have had fun all the while!!