2011 OUTSTANDING PUBLIC BROADCASTING VOLUNTEER

Dennis McDonald
Nominated by John Costello
Vice President of Events and Volunteers, KLRN PBS, San Antonio, Texas

Dennis McDonald was described as “a different type of volunteer.”  His acute attention to detail, his vast knowledge of every aspect of his home station KLRN - San Antonio, Texas, and his ability to help out with any project (and to know exactly what to do) means that he is truly the backbone of KLRN.

Mr. McDonald began his volunteer service at the KLRN Auction in the late 1970s working one night.  He quickly became more involved as he realized he could work every night of the Auction.  Since retiring from SBC in 2001, he has evolved into a full time volunteer spending over two thousand hours in 2010 working at the station and its events.  His responsibilities include maintaining the Auction website’s on-line items, as well as the KLRN home page keeping the programming information current.  He works every night of the Blazing Gavels Auction, ensuring the board displays are correct, volunteers are prepared, and staging of Auction items are correct.

During KLRN’s three membership drives each year, he works almost around the clock with other members of the Events and Programming departments, developing lists of programs to air and in maintaining the database of programs and times.  He attends all live pledge programs to ensure that the phone bank volunteers are trained and knowledgeable about KLRN.  While doing all these tasks, he still finds the time to help move boxes, shift computers, distribute mail, wash carts, clear printer jams, attend staff baby showers and retirement parties, bake wonderful home-made treats, and just about anything else that is asked of him - or that he can think of!  In addition to all the time he donates to KLRN, his also financially supports the station as a major donor.

Mr. McDonald was recognized for his demonstrated leadership in the many volunteer roles he has served at KLRN over the past 36 years