Local Radio Legends to be Inducted into Hall of Fame March 30
Friday, March 18, 2011
Salty Brine. Arlene Violet. Sherm Strickhouser. Don Pardo.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
These are household names in Rhode Island. They are also members of the state’s Radio Hall of Fame, who will be joined by a new class of members of this elite of the airwaves who have brought insights, news, entertainment and occasionally controversy to Rhode Islanders on March 30.
The Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame was established in 2008, with a goal to celebrate the now 89-year history of the radio broadcast industry in Rhode Island, and to honor the men and women who have played a part in its growth. On-air personalities, station management, off-air contributors and technicians who have a contributed greatly to the state’s listenership since 1922 make up the Hall’s prestigious membership.
New Shepard Award
Also added to the Class of 2011 ceremony is the recipient of the 1st annual Shepard Award, named for John Shepard III and Robert F. Shepard. The award honors an important contributor to the business and support of Rhode Island radio during his or her generation through leadership, dedication, achievement, innovation, and spirit. The Shepard brothers, grandsons of the founder of Shepard’s department stores, are recognized for their remarkable efforts as early commercial radio pioneers and innovators, for launching Rhode Island’s first radio station in 1922, and for their keen sense of radio’s full potential.
The Class of 2011 has been voted upon by the Hall’s Board of Directors, comprised of active and former members of the media in Rhode Island, current hall-of-famers and Associate Members of the RIRHOF.
Radio Fans Can Join
As an added attraction to the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame, local radio fans are encouraged to participate as Associate Members, by contributing a one-time fee of $25. For their donation, fans will earn the right to nominate and vote for local radio industry professionals for future consideration in the Hall of Fame, and receive a discount on induction ceremony dinner tickets. The $25 lifetime membership fee is tax deductible as allowable by law, and may be made through the Hall website at www.rirhof.org.
The official induction banquet for the Class of 2011 will take place at the West Valley Inn in West Warwick, RI on Thursday, May 12th, 2011, beginning with a cocktail reception at 5:30 pm. Dinner and the induction ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $50 each (table of 10 is $450), and are available to the general public by calling (401) 258-7423, or by visiting www.rirhof.org.
Proceeds from the awards dinner and ceremony will benefit Special Olympics of Rhode Island. More than $25,000 has been raised over the past three years for local charity.
