Caryl and Mike Levin, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

For Caryl Levin, there simply is no other radio station than WHYY.

“The only station I listen to and have ever listened to is WHYY,” says the retired social studies teacher from the School District of Philadelphia. “I think most of the programs on WHYY share my values. And my values are social justice and facts and honest research.”

Caryl and her husband, Mike, are especially interested in WHYY Radio’s history programming, documentaries and political coverage.

“I appreciate the honesty of WHYY and the interesting variety of programs,” Caryl says. “I trust WHYY.”

The Levins have been loyal WHYY members since 1983, and ever since, Caryl has woken up to the sounds of the station.

This year, Caryl and Mike celebrated their 80th birthdays by making required minimum distributions from their IRAs to WHYY’s on-air fundraising, creating a challenge for others to support public radio in honor of their birthdays.

“When you’re 80, you think about the next generation. We asked ourselves what is one of the most important things we want to leave them? Accurate reporting. A free press. Trust in the accuracy of what you’re hearing. I hope our country’s grandchildren can have as free a press as we did. You can’t take it for granted. Without a free press like WHYY keeping your community informed you have nothing else.”

As a result of their $15,000 donation, they were able to inspire more than $68,000 in donations from more than 700 members.

“I hope our gift enables WHYY to continue its excellent work,” Caryl says.

Like the Levins, you, too, can impact the work of WHYY by making contributions from your IRA during your lifetime or by making WHYY the beneficiary of an IRA account. Learn more by contacting Adrienne Webb Schulman at 215-351-2000 or legacy@whyy.org.