August 2022
A Note from Randi Zimmerman

It’s mid-summer and we are brushing up and cleaning up around at WMNF. 

You may have noticed our slimmed-down home page making it load a bit faster for easier access. We have also updated our podcast page. that links us to the most used platforms so we can share our message with an even larger audience. We will soon be adding podcasts that we have produced here at WMNF for other local non-profits to better connect our community radio station to the community. If you know of a local non-profit that is curious about podcast production, send them our way by calling me at 813-238-8001 extension 126 or by email at randiz@wmnf.org.

We will also be cleaning house. Our upstairs storage space is chock full of stuff, some of it as old as WMNF! We will be sorting, shredding, and re-organizing the space. It’s the boring stuff that must be done when you have a rich history. Since Tropical Heatwave is coming back (YAY!!!), we’ll have to dust off some of our favorite decorations for re-painting. Also, let us know if you want to get dirty and help out. Contact Miss Julie if you are ready to roll up your sleeves to do this work.

In addition to making time for a bit of vacation, summer always seems to be full of those projects that you cannot be accomplished during the rest of the year. Here at community radio, we’re doing the same.
The Fastest Show on Radio!
Meet Latin Jazz & Salsa Host Speedy Gonzalez
Q. How did you get your start at WMNF? You are such pro!
A. I adapted to DJing because when my parents had family house parties I took charge of the record player and played the music so everyone could dance. It became easy with my love of music from all genres and learning the roots of my Latin culture I just got into the soul of it.
Q. Your show sounds like a wide range between a big party and a personal listening experience. How do you put your program together each week?
 A.Yes, a big party for the listeners that are ready to tune in for a good time, information about the artists, and the latest music from around the world and locally. Supporting all independent artists that are not played on other radio stations. As a former self-taught musician, it is easy to entertain with music.
Q. Tell us about your theme song.
 A.This song is a medley of the best hits from my idol and friend Gilberto Miguel Calderon AKA Joe Cuba whom I interviewed on the show before his passing. I picked his music because of the impact he gave to Latin music during the 1960s and listening to his big hit “Bang Bang” on top 40 radio in 1966 giving Latin Boogaloo more exposure to everyone because it had English lyrics. I tried to change my theme intro but my listeners insisted I keep it.
Q.  The Tampa Bay area has a deep Latin heritage and rich culture, but new people are always moving here. What would you tell them about the importance of Latin Jazz and Salsa to music’s history and present?
A. That they need to keep our Latino culture alive for the next generation. Our music will never die because it reflects our life in the past, present, and future. Like I said on the show about the lyrics on the songs that history repeats itself.
Q. What have been some of the highlights of hosting your show?
A. Interviewing the Latin Jazz & Salsa legends and the new independent artists that still respect the legends of our music—being interviewed by NPR’s Here & Now program twice about the latest artists being featured on the Latin Jazz & Salsa show. And I had great times featuring live artists playing live on-air exclusively on the Latin Jazz & Salsa show too.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to add we haven’t asked you?
A. Glad to be part of the 88.5 FM Community Radio family and keeping Latin music alive on WMNF, that two more Latin shows exist now because of my vision on the show. Thanks to the staff and listeners for believing that our music is needed on (the airwaves of) Tampa. Please continue to support this radio station that others wish they had in their city or town. Like Ray Barretto said “Que Viva La Musica”!!

WMNF News Update
Even the most loyal WMNF listeners miss a few news stories. Here are a few you'll want to hear or catch again.


 

How Can You Meet the Match?

As a Circle of Friends member, we know how deeply committed you are to the monthly financial strength of WMNF. By donating to our Meet the Match Campaign, you can help us have a healthy future.

Because of a generous matching grant from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, WMNF has a limited-time opportunity to establish a revenue-generating endowment fund that will help secure the station's financial future, expand our service to the community, and leave a legacy of independent music and news for the generations to come.

For the next several months only, your contribution will be matched, TWICE! 
To Meet the Match, the WMNF community must raise $200,000 before the
deadline of July 5, 2023. Once we reach that goal, the station will receive a matching gift
of $100,000 from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, plus $100,000 set aside
for the endowment by the WMNF Board of Directors. 
Join the Cause!
Make a generous contribution by clicking this link and saying
If you do not wish to give online, we have other ways you can Meet the Match!
  • ESTATE PLANNING
  • WIRE TRANSFER
  • STOCK, LIFE INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE & OTHER NON-CASH DONATIONS
  • ​RETIREMENT PLAN DISTRIBUTIONS
You can also donate property, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after distributions to other beneficiaries. Just ask us how! 

Or mail a check today made payable to:
WMNF
Attn: Development Department
1210 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33603

About Community Foundation Tampa Bay 
Community Foundation Tampa Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects people and resources to inspire charitable giving and create a meaningful, lasting impact on our community.

The organization has been growing philanthropy in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and
Citrus counties since 1990. WMNF is honored to be a new participant in the foundation’s Endowment Match Challenge program. To learn more, visit cftampabay.org

If you have any questions or if I can help you Meet the Match, please email me back or call me directly at 813-865-8260.
Yours in community,
Laura Taylor Development Director, WMNF



The WMNF Newsletter is sponsored by The Bank of Tampa. To learn more about The Bank of Tampa, please contact Donna Walsh, VP, Commercial Relationship Manager, 813. 998.2787 or dwalsh@bankoftampa.com

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WMNF IS A 501 (C) (3) NON-PROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. WMNF\u2019S SOLICITATION CODE IS SC-00786. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAYBE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 100 % OF EACH DONATION IS RECEIVED BY THE NATHAN B STUBBLEFIELD FOUNDATION (WMNF.)