For almost 24 years, local radio station, WBFJ, has spent four days in early May celebrating the Lord and raising funds during its annual Sharathon. This year, the event will be May 1st-4th.
“As a listener-supported station, fundraising is a necessity, and we have people faithfully give and support each year. We call it our annual coming together where we restart the financial year,” said Wally Decker, WBFJ’s general manager.
The idea for hosting a Sharathon was brought to WBFJ by other established stations more than 20 years ago. These stations provided a model for the event and helped WBFJ with creating their first fundraiser. According to Decker, the station liked the concept of hosting a Sharathon and it seemed like a viable way to support the station.
“We are in a ministry where we depend on the Lord to provide. Day to day we are laying it on the line, thanking God for providing and making sure we did what we should have in the past year and what we need to do in the upcoming year,” said Decker. “Throughout the years, the event has changed a little bit, but for the most part, it has stayed the same.”
In addition, the results of the Sharathon vary every year. Sometimes the crew at WBFJ is surprised when the results go above and beyond. However, Decker added when the results are not as they expected, God always provides to make up the rest.
“All we have to do is trust in Him to do His thing and be obedient,” said Decker. “We just want people to know God and where He can provide. The Sharathon is a great way to be reminded and given a renewed sense of accountability to what we are doing with what the station is given. We always ask if we were good stewards this year with our time, talent and finances?”
More Than Just a Fundraiser
Along with raising funds, the four-day Sharathon is a time for celebration. For Decker, it resembles a family reunion, with listeners participating year after year.
“During that time, we focus on celebrating the Lord, how He has changed lives and met our needs,” said Decker. “Every year, we welcome and invite more people into our family and join us in listening during those four days. Plus, we have people who have been with us for five, 10 and 15 years.”
The feeling of an annual coming together is just one of the successful parts of the WBFJ Sharathon. If you would like to donate to WBFJ during their annual Sharathon, you can call the studio line during the event at 336.777.1893 and speak to a volunteer. You can also donate 365 days a year through WBFJ’s website, www.wbfj.fm, and give by credit card.
“We’ll have about 70-80 volunteers during those days taking calls. Individuals can also give faith promises. These promises are from people who want to support and plan to give a certain amount throughout the year,” said Decker.
Mark your calendars for WBFJ’s annual Sharathon this May. Help support a community focused station, which is on a mission to spread God’s love to everyone.
“Every year, we say ‘thank you,’ Lord for the Sharathon and what He has given us,” said Decker.
For more information about the WBFJ annual Sharathon, visit www.wbfj.fmor email [email protected]. Call the studio at 336.777.1893 or the office at 336.721.1560. The WBFJ studios are located at 1249 Trade Street in Winston-Salem. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
