Each year, PBS39 poses a question to the local community, “let us know what PBS39 means to you--in a picture.” The station invites kids in the Fort Wayne area to enter the My PBS39 Art Contest.  Children in three age categories (under 5, 6-9 and 10-12 years old) create an original piece of artwork depicting what the station and PBS KIDS means to them.  The First Place winner in each age category receives a two-year PBS39 Kids Club Membership as well as other PBS KIDS prizes, and a celebration at the station. 

One of the winning illustrations is then selected for the year-end holiday card thanking PBS39 donors for their support of the station. The year-end card is an effective donor cultivation tool, as it 1) uses artwork from real local kids to create an emotional tie, 2) touches on the station’s early childhood education legacy, and 3) is simply a thank-you card, not an “ask” (although it nicely sets the stage for a direct mail follow-up a little later on).

The station also airs on-air testimonials around the Art Contest (filmed with the winners during the celebration at the station).  These have become an effective tool in engaging Board members and local education leaders, as they articulate the value of PBS KIDS and help make the case for support. 

See photos of the 2013 winners.