For about 10 years, UW-Whitewater’s radio station, 91.7 The Edge-WSUW, has hosted an event called Fund Drive to raise money to operate minimally and buy new equipment for the station. The station is non-profit, so Fund Drive is one of its main sources of income.

This year, the tradition continues with similar events from previous years. Justin Cunningham, music director for the station, said although the events are similar, they are going to be

bigger and better than in the past.

“We have a very good line-up of bands,” Cunningham said. “We are especially excited about our closer band this year, Mutts. They are from Chicago and rated one of the best up-and-coming bands out of Chicago, so that is something to look forward to.”

Along with a week of music at Pumpers and Mitchells from April 18 to 25 in downtown Whitewater, there will be a fashion show from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 22 in the University Center Hamilton Room. This is the second year the station has put on a fashion show, and it is a way for some members of the radio station to “take their personality to the streets,” Station Manager Kyle Johnson said. The show costs $3.

Another event during Fund Drive is Dunk the DJ, which Johnson said is one of the most popular events every year. Dunk the DJ is a chance for anyone to try and dunk a member of 91.7 The Edge’s staff and receive a prize. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 24 at the University Center South Mall.

The main events for the week are, of course, the bands.

“I listen to our station all the time, and there is never a time where I feel like switching the station, because it is always quality music and content,” Johnson said. “Those are the bands that

we want to play for Fund Drive.”

Cunningham said Fund Drive attracts crowds from all over Wisconsin and Illinois who come to support their favorite bands.

“Booking bands that are not getting paid is hard because at this time of year they are starting tours and starting to play more, so they have very busy schedules,” Cunningham said. “So it’s hard to take them away from all that and ask them to do a free show out of their own good will.

Local businesses also donate their time and resources to help support the local station. Sassy Shirts donated T-shirts to the event, and Pumpers and Mitchells hosts Fund Drive every year.

“Pumpers and Mitchells is always more than generous every year with accommodating us and they always throw in a sizable donation every year,” Cunningham said.

Because 91.7 The Edge is a non-profit station, all of the money made during Fund Drive is needed to operate, to maintain equipment and in case of unforeseen expenses. Luckily for them, many bands respect college radio and are willing to perform for free or at an unusually low rate.

“College radio is a forgotten building block to the success of bands and it’s just great that some do appreciate and recognize that,” Cunningham said.

For a full schedule of events, go to the 91.7 The Edge-WSUW Facebook page.