Audio-Reader sale a resounding success, raises $10K; donations sought for '04 sale

LAWRENCE -- After raising more than $10,000 through a sale of donated records, CDs and other audio products, the Audio-Reader Network at the University of Kansas is ready to do it again. The reading service for the blind and visually impaired is accepting donations for an even bigger sale in 2004.

Audio-Reader also is looking for a donation of climate-controlled storage space.

Last weekend's first "For Your Ears Only" sale of donated vinyl records, CDs, audio books, turntables and other gently used audio products at the Douglas County Fairgrounds raised $10,672.75 to help Audio-Reader convert its radio-based service to aÊdigital satellite system. The new system costs less and offers more reliable transmissions with lessÊgeographical and electrical interference.

"We've definitely found our signature event," said Janet Campbell, director of Audio-Reader. "The interest in this sale was amazing, with people coming from as far away as Emporia, Council Grove and Hays. It was a great way to raise money toward our digital satellite conversion and to let more people know about Audio-Reader's mission."

To donate items for sale or storage space, call (785)Ê864-4600.Ê

Audio-Reader is a radio reading service for the blind and print-disabled. It provides readings of current newspapers, books, magazines and other printed materials to individuals who cannot read standard-size print.

Broadcasts are transmitted by the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation Satellite Network and are broadcast on the subcarrier frequency of various FM stations and cable systems throughout Kansas and western Missouri. Audio-Reader also provides recordings on a dial-up information system known as Telephone Reader and offers a special-request cassette-taping service.

The program was founded by Lawrence philanthropist Petey Cerf and first began broadcasting Oct. 11, 1971.