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Kai Ryssdal, longtime host of Marketplace, will headline WRKF’s 10th Annual Founders Luncheon at noon on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge. This special anniversary event marks a decade of bringing nationally recognized journalists, authors, and thought leaders to Baton Rouge while celebrating the donors, sponsors, and community members whose support sustains WRKF’s local journalism, cultural programming, and public service mission.
Register here.
Join WRKF for its 10th Annual Founders Luncheon featuring Kai Ryssdal, host and senior editor of Marketplace, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge.
We’ll present the Founders Award to Jim Brandt and the Community Catalyst Award to Mike Polito.
Celebrate a decade of nationally recognized speakers while joining business, civic, and community leaders who believe in informed public dialogue and a stronger Baton Rouge.
Your participation supports WRKF's independent journalism, cultural programming, and trusted emergency information—keeping reliable news and information freely available when our community needs it most.
Sponsorships & Tickets
10th Anniversary Sponsor — $3,000
Reserved table for 10, VIP reception for up to 10 guests, photo opportunity with Kai Ryssdal, and recognition as a 10th Anniversary Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor — $2,100
Reserved table for 10, VIP reception for up to 10 guests, photo opportunity with Kai Ryssdal, and recognition in event materials
Table Sponsor — $1,300
Reserved table for 10
Individual Tickets
Nonmember — $175
One seat at an open-seating table
WRKF Member — $135
One seat at an open-seating table (available exclusively to current WRKF members)
Additional sponsorship levels are available. For more information, contact Barbara Clark at barbara@wrkf.org or 225-926-3050, ext. 113.
Register now: link.
Or, download the form below to register by mail
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Prior Station Events
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Mary Louise Kelly, longtime co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered, will speak at noon during WRKF’s 9th Annual Founders Luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge on Friday, September 26, 2025. Known for her incisive reporting on national security and global affairs, Kelly brings depth, clarity, and humanity to the stories that shape our world. Register here. Or use this form to mail a check. -
WRKF presents a free financial literacy conference aiming to help residents from all backgrounds and income levels gain the financial skills needed to meet their present, future, and emergency needs. The conference focuses on improving families' lives through better financial planning. WRKF is committed to delivering reliable information from knowledgeable financial professionals and providing impartial education that doesn't promote any company, product, or service. -
Martin Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post, will join us at Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge on Friday, September 27, at noon. -
Martin Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post, will speak at noon at the luncheon at Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge on Friday, September 27. Newsrooms under Marty’s leadership have won 18 Pulitzer Prizes. including the Boston Globe, whose coverage of the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal was portrayed years later in the movie, “Spotlight.” Jim Engster will receive this year’s Founders Award, and Jenni Peters will receive the Community Catalyst Award. -
WRKF’s Karen Henderson will interview Blues Festival musicians for our new series, Behind the Blues, at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival inside the Old State Capitol. Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. View the schedule here. -
Nick Spitzer of American Routes will join WRKF staff for an interview with blues musician Lil Ray Neal at the West Baton Rouge Museum Juke Joint Thursday, April 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your own chairs and drinks. The interview wraps up the museum’s day-long Musicians Fête in conjunction with the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and Foundation and WRKF. Learn more here. -
WRKF presents a free financial literacy conference aiming to help residents from all backgrounds and income levels gain the financial skills needed to meet their present, future, and emergency needs. The conference focuses on improving families' lives through better financial planning. WRKF is committed to delivering reliable information from knowledgeable financial professionals and providing impartial education that doesn't promote any company, product, or service. -
WRKF's Seventh Annual Founders' Luncheon featured national correspondent Debbie Elliott. -
The veteran reporter will present a talk, "Stories, Secrets, and Scoundrels of the South," at the station's seventh annual fundraising event. NPR national correspondent Debbie Elliott: “Stories, Secrets and Scoundrels of the South.” Eric DeWeese will be recognized as a WRKF Founder, and Robyn Merrick will receive the inaugural Community Catalyst award. -
Gather with WRKF listeners and members before a talk from Historian Dr. Charles Vincent on Reconstruction in Louisiana and its impact on the Black community. At Louisiana's Old State Capitol, 100 North Blvd. Tuesday, September 19, the Mingle starts at 4:30 and the talk at 6.
