WGTS Annual Report 2019

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A Year of Ministry to the Nation’s Capital

Encouraging everyone we encounter to take one step closer to Christ.

Dear WGTS listener, Taking a moment to pause and reflect back on a year ended reminds us of how God has truly blessed this media ministry. In the following pages you’ll see just a few of the individual pieces that make up the whole of how God is using this ministry in individuals’ lives throughout the Nation’s Capital region and even beyond.

Last year included some major steps forward in our Hands and Heart initiative, our concert ministry, and moving into the new ministry center. This facility allows for more of what you have come to know and appreciate from WGTS 91.9 — hope and encouragement displayed in a variety of ways.

As you view the various data points in this report, remember that these data points are telling a story — many stories in fact.

The data ultimately represents changed lives. Our mission is to encourage everyone we encounter to take one step closer to Christ. In the numbers, in the photos, in the stories, my prayer is that you’ll see how hundreds of thousands of individuals are now walking closer to Christ because of your financial support.

May God bless you,

Kevin Krueger 2

on the air

2019 JANUARY

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number of programming team members working daily to bring the best possible ministry broadcast to the Nation’s Capital

Hands and Heart project: Furloughed government employees benefited from the 800 pounds of food collected

JANUARY 26

8,760

Dare to Be women’s conference and concert in Baltimore, Md.

hours of life-changing programming

Natalie Grant at Dare to Be conference and concert

131,400

encouraging, messagefilled songs aired

As a stay-at-home mom of four children, I’m very thankful that we have a radio station that encourages all of our hearts. I smile every time one of my children asks me to turn up the music so they can sing along.

Morning co-host Blanca Vega

FEBRUARY 12 Hands and Heart project: Days of Compassion sponsorship event when 900 children were sponsored around the world

WGTS 91.9 annual report 2019 |

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on the air 2the-art state-ofstudios Donations from generous listeners made possible

2019 weekly over-the-air listeners within Washington, D.C., region

in the WGTS Ministry Center

MARCH 1 & 2 Toby Mac concerts at Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, Va.

Blanca hugs a listener at a Toby Mac concert

APRIL 19

Overall Rank in Washington, D.C. of all radio

Local listeners heard on the air with our teams sharing their wisdom, their heart, their laughter, their opinions and knowledge

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Prayer Walk: Staff, board members and donors come together to dedicate the new space with prayer

A staff member writes an inspirational message on the concrete floor during the Prayer Walk

Morning show co-host Jerry Woods

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on the air

2019 APRIL 26 First annual Difference Makers Golf Tournament in Ijamsville, Md.

children sponsored during our Days of Compassion on-air event

Mother’s Day cards contributed by WGTS listeners for mothers in shelters

APRIL/MAY Hands and Heart project: Mother’s Day card making and distribution – more than 12,000 cards distributed

EARLY JUNE La Plata, Md., and Leesburg, Va., ice cream stops

JUNE 21 Ice cream stop in Laurel, Md.

Morning show co-hosts Blanca Vega and Jerry Woods

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on the air

2019 My son has a hard time sleeping.

Going to bed with WGTS calms his anxious heart. He loves the music.

Breakaway programs and podcasts with local,

regional and national guests Sarah Beckman; Michael McSellers

400 games of

Bible or Not with

Johnny & Stacey exploring and learning scripture in a creative way

need photos

750 Stories shared on

Today in Hope at 7:10 and

9:10 a.m. on the Morning Show with Jerry Woods and Blanca Vega

A daily dose of encouragement through stories of hope

I battle depression and anxiety. God uses WGTS to lift my spirit and give me hope.

WGTS 91.9 | annual report 2019

Afternoon co-host Johnny Stone

JUNE 28 Summer Concert and ice cream stop with Tauren Wells at Tysons Corner, Va.

JULY 1 Michael W. Smith concert at Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

JULY 12 North Beach, Md., concert with Hannah Kerr and ice cream stop

Enjoying a cool treat on a hot day!

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online

2019

When listening to WGTS, I know that God is always with me.

I slip into a dark place when I’m not listening. Coming back, I again find myself in a place of light and joy.

JULY 19 Ice cream stop in Gaithersburg, Md.

142,600 Prayer requests submitted JULY 26 Summer Concert with Danny Gokey at Tysons Corner, Va., and Hands and Heart project where more than 800 school backpacks were collected for area foster children

Hours of online listening – worldwide

AUGUST 1

1,294,301

Ribbon-cutting ceremony with staff for WGTS Ministry Center

Prayers prayed by listeners for other listeners on PrayerWorks

AUGUST 17 WGTS Ministry Center Dedication

As an Uber driver, I play WGTS for my passengers. They leave the car refreshed because of this station.

WGTS 91.9 | annual report 2019

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online

2019 I deploy a lot with the military.

WGTS is special and gives me a feeling of stability every time I come home.

WGTS Ministry Center front desk

local church, nonprofit and school events promoted through the WGTS 91.9 website followers on Facebook messaging connections on Facebook

67%

of listeners are in the United States

292,941

AUGUST 23 WGTS mini-concert with Matthew West to celebrate new move-in

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER The donor brick wall is installed, recognizing donors who gave during the 2018 Vision Campaign

people listen worldwide The top 5 countries are:

The completed donor wall

United States Brazil India United Kingdom Nigeria WGTS 91.9 annual report 2019 |

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on the ground

44,000

OCTOBER 18

25,000

m volunte a te

s er

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I recently came to the U.S. It’s been tough, and everything is so different. I saw a WGTS sticker and tuned in. I have never turned back.

2019

stickers distributed and placed on vehicles to share God’s love with others

Chris Tomlin concert in Woodbridge, Va.

Fan eagerly waiting for the concert

NOVEMBER 21 Casting Crowns, Hillsong, and Elevation Worship concert at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Listeners and friends who attended WGTS events in 2019

Concertgoers find hope and strength at WGTS concert

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on the ground

2019 OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER

One day my dog touched the radio while I was driving and WGTS began playing. I’ve been listening and encouraged ever since.

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days with tens of thousands of free meals and drinks given – just to make someone’s day.

10,000

gave away servings of ice cream at ice cream tours

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Hands and Heart project: Through the campaign Socktober, 21,000 pairs of socks were collected for families in homeless shelters

Volunteer packing socks

DECEMBER 6 Concert at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, Va., and collected toys for Christmas for 75 families

pairs of socks donated, collected and distributed to those in need

Lead singer Chris Cleveland of Stars Go Dim gave concert during toy drive

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financial 2019 TOTA L

administrative and governance

WGTS is listener-supported and through generous donations is able to stay strong in our ministry for families.

ES S N E P 6% EX

fundraising

8 Operating Expenses

More than 1,500 donors participated in the 2018 Vision Campaign to provide the funds to help WGTS establish its new ministry center.

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financial 2019 Radio Broadcast Center Day

I think I can sing every single song on the radio. It’s pure and wholesome for our family and for the community.

Ways to Give 31 monthly support one-time gifts

On August 23, 2019, WGTS celebrated the opening of the new ministry center.

Rockville Mayor Bridget Nelson, Montgomery County Council Members Sidney Katz and Will Jawando recognized WGTS President and General Manager Kevin Krueger and the WGTS 91.9 team by declaring the day “WGTS 91.9 Broadcast Center Day.” “This has been a dream decades in the making,” said Krueger. “The way God has worked through listeners and givers to make this center a reality is truly a miracle. We’re praying that the new ministry center is simply a launching pad to share the hope and encouragement that comes from Jesus with even more people in Washington D.C. and beyond.”

donor-advised funds

stocks, bonds, mutual funds

IRA charitable distribution (rollover)

real estate

employer matching gifts

planned giving in your will

life income trusts

beneficiary designations

WGTS has been accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, who provides this status to leading organizations who uphold standards for financial accountability, transparency, fundraising, and board governance.

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Robert Vandeman, Chair Kevin Krueger, President Duane Dorch, Treasurer Don Martin, Secretary Hanna Blake Celeste Ryan Blyden Terry Johnsson Bill Miller Kermit Netteburg Greg Scott Charles Tapp

Left: Midday host Becky Alignay and evening host Brandi Lanai; Center: Afternoon show co-hosts Stacey & Johnny Stone; Right: Morning show co-hosts Jerry Woods and Blanca Vega

board of directors

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