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WMUK benefits from used-car donations

July 19, 2004

KALAMAZOO--WMUK, the public radio broadcasting service of Western Michigan University, is participating in the recently launched "Car Talk" vehicle donation program.

Through the vehicle donation program, used cars and trucks may be donated to support WMUK. Donations may be made via the Web or by calling a toll-free number, and eligible donors may deduct the fair market value of their vehicle on federal income tax returns. A donation service, V-DAC, will arrange to pick up the used vehicle and its title from the donor. Proceeds from the sale of the vehicle benefit WMUK.

"We like this idea because it's an easy, safe and painless way to support WMUK, and it provides a service to our listeners," says Floyd Pientka, the station's general manager.

"Car Talk" is a popular radio program about automobiles, featuring hosts Tom and Ray. It airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at noon on WMUK 102.1 FM.

Following thorough evaluation of several vehicle donation services, V-DAC was selected to partner with "Car Talk," because it offers the best return to support public radio stations, and it accepts the widest possible range of used vehicles. V-DAC administers a vehicle donation service for more than 2,000 local and national charities.

What prompted "Car Talk" to start a vehicle donation program? "Tommy's wife asked for it, actually," says Ray. "At this point, she'll try anything to get Tommy's 1952 MG TD out of the driveway, and the idea was born."

"This is a classic example of what game theorists call a 'win-win-win' scenario," explains Tom. "The donor wins, the spouse wins, and the public radio station wins. Now, what could be better than that?"

To make a contribution, visit WMUK on the Web at <www.wmuk.org> and click on "Donate your used car." Donors may also call, toll free, (866) 432-7568 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

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