I’m not totally sure how the topic of torturing Frank came to be a thing, but we are running with it. Frank is KWMR’s bookkeeper. Frank is also ok with this topic. In 2015, KWMR needed a new bookkeeper. Strong-arming professionals is not always in your best interest, but I did so, after some advice from a sage person who knows things. For the past 9 years Frank and I have met up at least once a month, sometimes more frequently to deal with KWMR’s books. Since 2015 we have transitioned between two different databases, and we have a non-binding “pinky promise” to retire at the same time. Frank has a few years on me, so I won’t hold him to it, but I’m not looking forward to that transition. I really really like working with Frank. Plus he can read my handwriting.Frank is a good person. He cares about nonprofits, his rates are reasonable and he makes donations to his clients when they are fundraising. He has a very good sense of humor (critical) and while I swear WAY more than he does, he tolerates my crass behavior. Somehow numbers and bad drivers really bring out the FCC words in me.And to be clear, we don’t really “torture” Frank. We just keep the KWMR finances in top top shape with Frank, along with Lisa, Jeremy, Mark, and Alan if we need legal advice. These people are not staff at KWMR, but they are critical in making sure our bookkeeping, audit to stay eligible for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding, our tax return, and any legal stuff, are covered. Still, we sort of torture Frank. Month after month, especially during the audit.
Frank Truttman and Amanda Eichstaedt.
We deal with Frank year-round. Our books are squeaky clean. Because we get audited every single year as a condition of the CPB funding. Frank and I psyche up for the audit every year, anticipating Lisa’s “Prepared By Client” lists. While these take some doing, I feel so good about the audit and Frank and my work to ensure that KWMR is financially healthy. You can read all our audits HERE.KWMR relies on others for outside assistance including Bill for audio engineering, Adam and crew for critical infrastructure fixes, and we get our generator serviced every year to make sure it will start up. And thank you to our landlords, Leslie and Hal for being cool.So, please be assured, when you contribute to our Year End Fundraiser (in lieu of a Fall Pledge Drive) that your dollars are being used wisely, and every penny is being tracked and monitored by the folks mentioned above. And while all this “oversight” is sort of a PITA, I must say, I sleep better knowing that everything is transparent and in extremely good shape. Even the KWMR Board diligently scours the bank statements, financial reports and credit card bills for anomalies. So far, so good!
But for now, we are trying something new instead of a Fall Pledge Drive. While you can’t call the pledge line to make your contribution, you are free to do so via our website, and if you just want to talk to someone, give me a call (415-663-8068, Ext 104), or leave a message with a good time to call you back. I want to know what YOU value about KWMR. I love to talk to our supporters and so don’t be shy.
And thank you to those of you who have donated online, mailed in a check, or asked your donor advised fund to cut a check to KWMR. We really appreciate it!A big shout out to LD and JP!Hope to hear from you!Amanda Eichstaedt Station Manager and Executive Director
