Brian Beresh’s connections to CKUA go back many years. “When I came to Edmonton in 1980, I didn’t know a single person.” He had always loved music, and he heard about CKUA from a friend. He was hooked after listening to just one program. “I started listening to more of it.”
Fast forward forty-five years and Beresh has become one of the station’s most generous supporters. He has now made a transformational gift; a $1 Million pledge of support.
“I have been fortunate and successful, and it’s time to give back,” says the Edmonton lawyer and businessperson.
His affection for the station is clear. He even uses the word “we” when describing what CKUA is and does. “We’re an independent, community-funded organization, and we are a leader in promoting new, unusual, and lesser-known artists.” And, he adds, “CKUA has become our community. It’s a part of the Albertan, Canadian, and worldwide community. It’s people who are like-minded. And it’s sort of a movement. It’s defiant, brash at times.”
The timing of Beresh’s gift is intentional and impactful. He and many other listeners responded to an address that CKUA’s CEO, Marc Carnes, gave to the community in April 2024. Carnes stated that without increased donor support, CKUA’s signal would go silent. CKUA’s headquarters, the historic Alberta Hotel, had tenant vacancies that were causing financial stress. Add to that a large building debt and no response to CKUA’s requests for provincial and federal government support, and it was all leading to worrisome financial realities.
A remarkable Spring 2024 Fundraiser, which garnered $1.8 Million in listener donations, helped. So did filling vacant rental spaces in the building. “CKUA still has much work to do to achieve financial stability,” says Kevin Fitzgerald, CKUA’s Chief Development Officer, “but we have momentum, thanks to this ground-breaking gift. With the approach of CKUA’s 100th anniversary in 2027, we will see more major gifts. Brian Beresh is a community leader, and this commitment provides a powerful example for other donors. We are enormously grateful for Brian’s generosity, and for all the donors who sustain CKUA.”
Beresh also emphasizes that that this gift is intended to support CKUA’s future, and its long-term stability. It is over and above his Spring and Fall Fundraiser donations, which support CKUA’s daily operations. CKUA relies heavily on listeners stepping up to donate during the Spring and Fall campaigns, and this year will be no different. “CKUA is community,” says Fitzgerald. “The on-air campaigns are a perfect opportunity for our listening community to support a service that is original and authentic, a service that brings incredible value to listeners, artists, and the arts sector in Alberta.”
“CKUA is going through a rough time, not of its making,” Beresh says, and he adds, “CKUA has done a lot for our family, and other people’s families. CKUA has meant a lot to the community, and it means a lot to me.”
Beresh believes in the power of communal generosity. He says, “We cannot do it individually, but collectively we can. There is a collective spirit here.”
CKUA’s CEO Marc Carnes adds, “As a charitable social enterprise, CKUA is focused daily on the power of music and the arts to connect us and lift us up. It’s something that we need even more of these days. Brian’s pledge is a significant, timely boost in helping us to deliver that work to the benefit of a global community of listeners and artists. His generosity serves as a model for what’s possible when we believe in something bigger than ourselves.”
Beresh’s vision for CKUA’s future is unambiguous. “I want to see it thrive. I want CKUA to be a leader in the arts community. I’d love to see more people stepping up to help. There’s strength in numbers.” His advice to people who are considering supporting CKUA is, “Don’t put it off. There’s no time like the present.”
Please join Brian in helping to create a sustainable CKUA! This service belongs to the community and is funded by the community. We urge all listeners to give in accordance with their means, whether this is supporting the Spring Fundraiser, becoming a Leadership donor, making a major gift, or speaking with us about a planned estate gift. There are many ways to support this important service and every donation matters!
Please go to ckua.com/donate to see different ways you can support CKUA.
CKUA’s Chief Development Officer, Kevin Fitzgerald, will join Kate Stevens on The Upload, Tuesday, March 11 at 11am MT to share more about this exciting announcement.
Plus, Brian Beresh will be Terry David Mulligan’s guest on Mulligan Stew, Saturday, March 15. Tune in from 5pm – 7pm MT to hear their full conversation.
