As our campaign goal starts to come into view we’re reflecting on how many members of our donor community have been crucial to the success of Campaign 21. Whether you helped plan major changes for the future in 2017 or only recently gave a gift, you’re an integral part of our success. Anne Etgen and Greg Kieber are one such couple, known for their support of not only this campaign, but also as members of both our Legacy Society and Sustainer member program. We asked Anne and Greg to share a little about what compels them to give so generously, and what they are looking forward to in 2022.
KQED: What fuels your commitment to philanthropy in the Bay Area?
After long careers in IT (Greg) and scientific research (Anne), we are committed to giving back by supporting the community where we live. Therefore, we choose philanthropic organizations in the Bay Area that help ensure everyone in the region thrives. No one in a community as prosperous and innovative as ours should go hungry or homeless. In addition, everyone needs access to news and information that is fact‐based and unbiased.
KQED: Why do you support KQED and do you have any favorite programs?
Providing in‐depth news coverage and a wide array of arts and culture, historical, educational and scientific programming to the public is expensive; we want to make sure that these resources continue to be available to everyone. KQED’s wide range of podcasts, radio and television programs are both informative and entertaining. After listening to or watching news programming on KQED, we always come away feeling that the world makes a little more sense and that we understand an issue from a variety of perspectives. Locally produced programming like Forum engages and stimulates on a wide range of topics. On television, we love Check, Please! Bay Area, Frontline, American Experience, and Masterpiece as well as many of the other mysteries and dramas presented in the evening.
KQED: What are you most looking forward to with the new building and related services?
We look forward to the increased opportunities for diverse members of the Bay Area community to engage and interact with KQED. We anticipate that the open, inviting public lobby as well as the plan to host more public events will encourage people to come in and learn more about the value of public media and of a robust news organization that devotes resources to local as well as state, national and international issues. We also hope that there will be an expansion of docent‐led tours, incorporating interactive elements, to introduce community members of all ages and interests to KQED’s mission and services.
Check out our Construction Timelapse video to see the latest progress on our new home!