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nonprofit television

New BUZZ: YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge 900 508 Michael Hemphill

New BUZZ: YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge

As originally broadcast June 28, 2023, on Blue Ridge PBS …

The Y is known as a great place for a workout. From its wellness centers, pools and fitness classes, the nonprofit offers all ages and abilities the means to exercise the body.

But the body is just one side of a triangle that also features “mind” and “spirit.” At the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, that means a focus on monthly luncheons for older adults, multicultural gardening experiences, free water safety classes for schoolchildren, and fun after school activities for kids seeking a safe space from gang and gun violence.

Helping fund these programs is the annual Keith Willis Society Reception, which gets a boost from BUZZ’ own video marketing.

This 33rd episode of BUZZ is sponsored by Freedom First Credit Union, where people bank for good.

New BUZZ stars — and helps rebrand — Literacy Volunteers 1024 576 Michael Hemphill

New BUZZ stars — and helps rebrand — Literacy Volunteers

Watch our 31st episode of BUZZ featuring Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley that originally aired May 3, 2023, on Blue Ridge PBS …

For most people, the ability to read and write comes so naturally that we forget they are skills we had to learn as a child. But for immigrants who don’t know English, and native-born individuals who perhaps struggled in school, those letters on a page are literally a foreign language. From navigating our healthcare system and the DMV to simply wanting to read to a grandchild, a lack of literacy can be crippling.

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley provides tutoring and classes to teach adults how to read, write, do basic math, and use computers — which in turn provides people the power to lift themselves out of poverty, lower health care costs, find and keep sustainable employment, and ultimately change lives.

But the nonprofit’s brand is clunky — LVNRV — and suggests it serves volunteers rather than people who need help reading. Coming to the rescue once again on BUZZ are our rebranding magicians from Wordsprint.

We thank 100+ Women Who Care NRV for sponsoring the production of our episode!

Coming up on BUZZ: May-August 2023 schedule 900 675 Michael Hemphill

Coming up on BUZZ: May-August 2023 schedule

Tune in to Blue Ridge PBS on Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to watch BUZZ! New episodes air each month! Here’s the schedule of upcoming shows now through August.

A message from BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill 900 586 Michael Hemphill

A message from BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill

I’m always encouraging nonprofit leaders to be more fearless about proclaiming the good they do so that more donors and volunteers will be attracted to their cause.

“Your organization is doing incredible work,” I’ll say. “Tell everyone about it.”

I should be following my own advice! Because Wednesday is GIVE Roanoke Day and we could use a little $$$ buzz of our own.

Our work through the American Advertising Federation of Roanoke is funded 100% through charitable contributions and foundation grants.

We’re fortunate to have raised funding to produce upcoming episodes on YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Art and Economic Development in Roanoke, Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley, The Hokie Way, Alta Mons, Community Foundation of the New River Valley, and more!

For every new episode we produce each month, we try to host a Watch Party (usually at the Grandin Theatre) where the featured nonprofit can enjoy the experience of seeing their mission on the big screen with their donors, volunteers, friends and fans. 

Each Watch Party costs about $500, so on Wednesday we’re seeking to raise $4,000 to fund the rest of our 2023 Watch Parties.

If you appreciate our work, please consider a gift on GIVE Roanoke. Every donor will be credited onscreen for all 2023 Watch Parties. Thank you!

Our 30th BUZZ stars The Least of These 900 600 Michael Hemphill

Our 30th BUZZ stars The Least of These

As originally broadcast March 29, 2023, on Blue Ridge PBS … our 30th episode of BUZZ!

A gap shelter for those suffering homelessness, The Least of These Ministry provides basic services for people living on the streets.

A hot showers and laundry. Snacks, clothes, sleeping bags and medical supplies from a converted ambulance. A warming bus for sleep on cold nights. Outdoor lockers that offer a secure place to stash their possessions. Free medical care for them and their pets.

TLOT operates on faith, hope and a shoestring budget from area churches, individuals and an annual fundraiser: Hustle for the Homeless 5K.

Wheeler Digital returns to BUZZ to donate a social media campaign to inspire more runners and sponsors to join the cause. Learn exactly which campaigns they created to help The Least of These Ministry build brand awareness in the Roanoke community.

We thank the Louise R. Lester Foundation for underwriting the production of this episode!