Younger Family Fund benefits WBGU-PBS

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Local public programming is getting a serious financial boost thanks to the generosity of a Findlay couple. Charles and Mariann Younger have donated $260,000 to WBGU-PBS to establish the Younger Family Fund. The money will be used to finance local television productions.

The Youngers originally made a donation several years ago to help with the station’s conversion to a digital signal. When federal money and grants covered most of that expense, the Youngers agreed to move part of their original donation to this new endowment.

“We’re avid viewers of PBS programming and have supported the station for many years,” said Charles Younger. “It’s important to donate to keep it going.”

“WBGU-TV is appreciative of Chuck and Mariann’s commitment to public television,” said Tina Simon, assistant general manager. “Their gift to the Bright Ideas Campaign was instrumental in helping us with the digital conversion we completed in February of 2009.

“As we enter the second phase of this campaign, which is to focus on producing high quality, entertaining and informative local programming and documentaries, the Younger Family Fund helps ensure our ability to have the resources available to produce the very best local television programs for our viewers.”

“Private support is critical to the future of BGSU and our service to the community and region,” said Tom Hiles, vice president for university advancement and president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Inc. “Gifts from generous friends and alumni help to fulfill our mission of service. We are extremely grateful to the Youngers for their support.”

Younger is the retired executive vice president of Continental Cablevision. His wife, Mariann, has dedicated her life to children and education, serving as a home instruction tutor for Findlay and Hancock County Schools and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with the Hancock County Juvenile Court.

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(Posted December 09, 2010 )