Catherine, like many other listeners, has seen the direct impact of Spirit FM’s Christian music and messaging in both her own life and the community.

Spirit FM is a listener-supported ministry of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and hosts fundraisers in the spring, fall, and winter. This year, the on-air portion of Spread the Word 2025 was themed "Build-a-Boat": listeners could donate to the station and have their names written on a wooden boat to demonstrate the role that each gift has in making this vision a reality. From April 7 through April 11, 2025, the radio station was “all hands on deck” as announcers and on-air guests shared fun banter and testimonies, while volunteers generously shared their time answering phone calls from those partnering with the ministry.

The idea for the theme came from Maria Pendleton, the co-host of The Spirit FM Morning Show. 

“I was sitting in (my co-host) Davis’ office prepping for the fundraiser when the words ‘build a boat’ came to me,” shared Maria. “I asked God what He meant by that, then presented the idea to the team.”

Everyone who partnered with Spirit FM during the fundraiser was offered the opportunity to have their name written on a different part of the ship based on their giving level. “Just like when God asked Noah to build an ark, faith is about trusting before you see the whole picture,” Maria said. “Just as every part of the boat is necessary for it to function, everyone who partners with Spirit FM is vital to allow this radio ministry to continue to encourage Tampa Bay community and beyond!” 

The overall goal for Spread the Word 2025 is $250,000 which is a number they hope to achieve by the end of May. As of April 16th, Spirit FM has received over $197,000 in commitments, surpassing last year’s amount by $14,000. These gifts came from 670 partners located not only in the Tampa Bay Area, but from 12+ states, who all find Spirit FM to be a meaningful ministry in their lives.

Spirit FM’s Spread the Word Fundraiser continues through May 31st! To partner with Spirit FM, visit www.MySpiritFM.com/Donate. 

To stay in the loop on with Spirit FM news, you can join Spirit FM’s monthly eNewsletter by visiting MySpiritFM.com/Subscribe. You can also keep in touch with the station by following its Facebook and Instagram pages @myspiritfm.