Musicians and Charities Get Together

StarTree Foundation, one of the area’s newest non-profit community service organizations, has announced plans to launch a coalition effort among locally-based charities in central coast Orange County for a series of summer partnership fundraisers to benefit their respective service programs. Beginning in Laguna Beach, this coalition effort hopes such fundraisers can provide additional promotional and financial support for the many worthy projects going on in these communities.

“These events can serve as a valuable template for increasing the visibility and recognition these community service organizations deserve” says Glori Fickling, a contributing editor for OC NOW and one of the coalition’s lead organizers. “In StarTree Foundation, we have found a committed and forward-thinking partner who can help us achieve this goal, and who has positioned itself to potentially be a major force in supporting a comprehensive range of public benefit programs throughout central coast Orange County. This coalition effort can help them get started, and is something we all should try and support.”

About StarTree Foundation and KOCI Radio

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, StarTree Foundation was created for the specific purpose of providing an innovative, locally-based, and non-commercial alternative to existing media outlets. Its programming and promotional mission uniquely combines entertainment and lifestyle interests with public affairs, education and community service support. It is a State of California non-profit public benefit corporation, with federal designation as both a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization and a public charity. It holds the unique distinction of being one of the few educational and community service non-profits of its kind to receive approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to own and operate a new class of low-power, community-based FM radio station. KOCI Radio, which plans to broadcast this summer from their new location atop the Newport Office Tower to better serve all of Orange County at frequency 101.5. KOCI is one of the very few Low-Power FM (LPFM) proposals in the nation to have secured FCC approval to serve an urbanized market on the scale of central coast Orange County, the size, diversity and amenities of which are among the most prominent in the country and recognized worldwide.

“This is the culmination of a multi-year effort, “ says Public Affairs Director and StarTree Co-Founder Brian Helvey. “We now have the opportunity to harness the powerful medium of FM radio for the benefit of our local communities in a manner that has heretofore not been available. Our vision is that providing the highest caliber programming on our musical heritage and other areas of the arts can and should be combined with a focus on those needs and public issues of greatest local interest. This means our programming, promotional, and related information services will place a major priority on supporting cooperative efforts with civic groups, the educational and business community, and working with the many public service organizations that are so valuable at the local level. Organizing these coalition charitable fundraisers is an important way we can build our local outreach and service program, while at the same time develop beneficial partnerships that can help address the diverse needs and interests that exist in our communities.”

This attempt to combine historically valuable entertainment with promotional support and public/community service is unique in the nation at this level of media, According to Helvey and StarTree CEO Barry Jorgensen, the challenge in today’s rapidly changing communications environment lay in conceiving a multi-media approach which marries the existing yet locally under-utilized medium of FM radio with the boundless opportunities afforded by the Internet. At the community level, cooperative partnership and coalition building were seen as essential elements for success. As Jorgensen states, “these elements were not just important founding principles, but have been developed into specific components that will guide all of StarTree/KOCI’s programming, promotional and service activities. We are already in the process of building coalitions behind the programming and projects we will be able to offer, and they attempt to span the wide spectrum of interest sectors we have found in the community. These range from a rock and blues coalition of local musicians, clubs and venues to local environmental organizations and public agencies…from local businesses and educational institutions to the wide array of entities involved with outdoor recreation, leisure activities, and our precious public lands and waterways.”

KOCI’s programming, access, and promotions will encompass not only the on-air FM broadcast, but companion and more detailed coverage on its website that will include not only information resources, stories and articles, but “live” video coverage of area events and activities. It will also include opportunities for documentary film and an OC “Reality Series,” all supported by a multi-media college intern program.

StarTree/KOCI’’ will also provide direct educational and charitable support in two areas of emphasis. The first will help area children enhance or re-shape their lives through its own local partnership program, “Life Changes For Kids.” The second will focus on supporting efforts to protect our environment, encompassing both education and promoting public participation. Areas of emphasis will range from local issues such as beach cleanup, sewage closures and traffic congestion to more comprehensive concerns such as alternative fuels and global warming.

The Coalition Fundraisers

StarTree/KOCI will assist the Coalition in providing logistical, promotional, and staff support alongside the participating local charities, including the entertainment through its coalition of local musicians. Donations and proceeds will be shared with the Coalition participants that will include local charitable organizations. The fundraisers will include dinner, entertainment and auctions.

Why Your Support? Benefit Statement

Helping StarTree/KOCI Radio allows you to provide valued and needed start-up support to an exciting and worthy new effort that seeks to serve our communities and promote local activities and projects that are of noteworthy public benefit. This is an opportunity unique in Orange County’s history: to marry the medium of FM radio with the resources of today’s technology and the Internet in a manner that gives new voice to individuals and groups at the local level. With your support, this rare and exceptional opportunity can become a valuable new resource in efforts to promote and support civic, commercial, educational, and public service projects and activities that are of benefit to our communities and to future generations. Help us help you, our kids, and the environment.

To make a tax deductible charitable donation to Startree107, Inc. please contact Glori Fickling (949-494-4710; [email protected]) or Barry Jorgensen (949-675-5778; [email protected].)