Friday, October 23, 2009

The Way to a Television Heart...

... well, what did you think? We work for a non-profit. We fundraise to stay in business. A couple of times a year, radio side (NPR) does an on-air fund drive. Or membership drive, or pledge drive.... whatever we're calling it this year, the goal is the same - to raise money to pay for the programming that so many people love. That money does not pay salaries or for the building or the utility bill. It pays for the programs you hear.

And the troops can't stay in the trenches with growling bellies. There are several food vendors around town who DONATE food for the talent and volunteers who work the pledge drives. They are VERY generous.

I confess that I visit from the TV side (PBS) to see how we're doing and snag a donut if there are any left around 11am....

They are just too good to pass up. Unfortunately, that kind of thinking got me into the shape I'm in today. I'm glad the drive ends on Monday. I hope we make our goal, but I also hope I will no longer be tempted by Krispy Kremes.

On the TV side, we are trying to keep up with the times. We've done the digital switch and air programming from Net in HD whenever possible. We also create a few programs of our own and the camera companies know that stations are beginning to shop around for HD equipment. Cameras. Editing equipment. And they send their salesmen out to do demonstrations. So far, we've had two hour long presentations, followed by LUNCH. The first company brought in Famous Dave's Barbecue, which was delicious. The second company had its presentation on Thursday and brought food from a local eatery.

After their presentation, I went and snagged some lunch. Grilled chicken in pasta, white rice with sausage, shrimp jambalya, salad and some kind of cheesy sauce with shrimp in it. I think New Orleans-style cooking was the theme. Whatever it was, it was delicious!
Diane wasn't sure if she'd be able to eat presentation food, so she went over to radio to get some leftover beans and rice and a little salad.


When she got back, she saw my lunch. I told her there was plenty, so she went and got her own plate of food.

I don't know what it is... if it's because we're not paid much, or we somehow still have the starving student/artist mentality, but anytime there is food in the building, the staff swoops down like a horde of locusts. Whatever's left goes in the fridge... and disappears soon after.
It's not just in TV/Radio stations either. If the crew is lucky enough to be fed on-site when doing a sporting event or some other remote production, the reaction is the same. Everyone is STARVING!

8 comments:

Janis said...

LOL..there is something about the word "Free" that makes people dive in like vultures. Those Krispy Cream donuts actualy make my teeth hurt, they are soooooo sweet!

Mom said...

Hmmm--I just sent you a link to a book I just saw on book tv that delves into the psychology of "Free", among other things. The title is "Cheap", by Ellen Ruppel Shell.

Faye said...

I love PBS so much you make me feel badly for not contributing, Sayre. In about two hours I'm settling in to the live broadcast of Aida from the Met on our local classical station. Cleaning my office/hidey hole while listening to that great music. Then on Sunday night at 9 for Masterpiece.

Back in the working days word of free food went through the hallways like jungle drum signals--especially on state board meeting days. They got wonderful break food like pastries and deluxe mixed nuts and then specially catered lunches. Staff got invited to the lunches, but we had to take "second table" to be sure there was enough food.

Sandcastle Momma said...

There is something about the words Free Food that always make me hungry LOL
We have a Krispy Kreme here and I have to MAKE myself stay away. Not only are they good but I can literally eat half the box in a matter of minutes.

Anonymous said...

We do the cooking for us periodically and it is still the mob factor even though there are only 6 of us. Not only does free count in the food world but a case of someone else cooked it besides you. And how did you make it?!

Stef

wendishness said...

I can't seem to get past the krispy kreme photo....help, someone pry me away!!!

this new place said...

great. now i want donuts. it's all i can think of.

this new place said...

great. now i want donuts. it's all i can think of.