Sweet Briar streamathon is back by popular demand

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Staff Writer

From legendary Dell parties to time-honored Sweet Briar songs, nothing connects alumnae across the decades quite as much as their love of music. So what better way to celebrate the College than with another four-night marathon of favorite tunes?

The second Next is NOW Streamathon on The Briar 92.7 FM is cued and ready to play from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, through Wednesday, Sept. 21. It’s the first community-wide fundraising event of the new fiscal year and expectations are high to exceed last spring’s spectacular $60,000 total.


Streamathon, Fall 2016
Here’s how it works: Listeners (i.e., donors) tune in to the Sweet Briar radio station’s live stream during those hours to hear their talented alumnae DJs-for-the-night sisters spin records and take callers’ requests in exchange for pledges. Each night features different decades, so there will be something for every musical taste — and opportunities to relive the good times at the Briar with classmates.

The Millennials and Vixen Athletics will kick things off Sunday, followed by the ’90s on Monday, the ’60s and ’70s on Tuesday — with a special guest — and the ’80s on Wednesday.

This is not some staid, serious affair. Oh, no. Expect enthusiasm and levity — and a good bit of competitiveness as the decades vie for fundraising supremacy.

“The alumnae who are DJing have been excited about this for months,” says Clélie Steckel, assistant director of annual giving/Sweet Briar Fund.

One of those DJs is Katie Hearn ’85, who will be teaming up again with Jean von Schrader Bryan ’82 and Leigh Ann White ’86 on Wednesday to reprise the trio that was one of the top producers during the first streamathon in March.

While the money’s the thing, Hearn says, don’t overlook the quality of music.

“I definitely want the eighties team to meet and beat our total from last year,” Hearn says. “We played some great music, but I think we can top that playlist this year, and top the total amount raised. That’s our plan!”

To participate, all you have to do is listen to The Briar 92.7 FM online by clicking here.

To make a request or dedication — and to pledge, of course — call (434) 381-6927 or (434) 381-5927.