Since 2002, Allergy A.R.T.S. has been the underwriter of “Clifford, the Big Red Dog,” on KACV-TV.  Dr. Constantine Saadeh and the staff at Allergy A.R.T.S. clearly love children and want to make sure that they have quality programming.  Allergy A.R.T.S. has been serving residents of the Panhandle since 1998 specializing in allergy, asthma and rheumatology. 

 

 

The Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis Club has been in existence since 1920.  The mission of Kiwanis International and the Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis club is to serve the children of the world. 99% of the funds contributed in the Amarillo area go toward helping children.  Each year the club’s 100+ members choose to support KACV and the mission to provide quality educational programming to the residents of the Texas Panhandle by sponsoring one night of the September Pledge Drive. Kiwanians man the phones during their sponsored night to take pledges from KACV members. 

 

“We like to participate in the pledge drive every year because we see what KACV does for children through the educational shows and outreach programs,” says Jon Mark Beilue, Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis Club President.  “It’s great that our missions complement each other so well.”

 

For information about membership, please contact Beilue at (806) 345-3318 or (806) 376-7361 or by e-mail at amakiwanis@amaonline.com.

In 1968, a dedicated group of parents had the vision to provide quality education in a Montessori setting. The Amarillo Montessori Academy, using the Montessori Method of education encourages students to develop their potential as self-directed learners and as active, caring, contributing members of society. Certified Montessori teachers serve 115 students ranging in age from six weeks through kindergarten. Amarillo Montessori Academy proudly underwrites Super Why! on KACV. 

 

 

This month’s featured underwriter is AMA•TechTel Communications. AMA•TechTel is headquartered is in Amarillo, Texas and employs 75 people. Established in 1995 as Amarillo Online, AMA•TechTel first brought high speed wireless broadband to the area in October 2000. Since that time AMA•TechTel has grown to one of the largest locally based telephone and Internet providers in West Texas.

 

Since 2005, AMA•TechTel has been a supporter of KACV by providing wireless services for the station and underwriting American Experience.  “The KACV mission to educate, inform, inspire and connect the people of the Texas Panhandle fit so well with what we do at AMA•TechTel,” says Douglas Campbell, AMA•TechTel Vice President.  “It just made sense that as a company based in the Texas Panhandle, we would want to support the Panhandle’s public television station!”

 

 

A to Z Tire has been in business since 1926. Originally founded by brothers Martin and George Nussbaum as the Amarillo Bus Company, A to Z is still a family owned business, now in its 4th generation.  A to Z Tire serves customers throughout Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. The company supplies light truck, passenger, medium truck radials, industrial, agricultural tires and supplies.

 

A to Z Tire has 16 stores, 2 retread plants, one partner store, and 200 employees all with a goal to provide nothing but the best in products, services, prices and people.

KACV would like to thank A to Z Tire for their support of MotorWeek. 

 

Josephine Anderson Charitable Trust

Josephine Anderson was a longtime resident of Amarillo.  The trust which bears her name was formed to help make Amarillo and the Panhandle a better place to live.  In fact, the Josephine Anderson Charitable Trust supports many agencies and organizations including the Don Harrington Discovery Center, Another Chance House, Family Support Services and KACV-TV.  The Trust is one of the sponsors of KACV’s December Pledge Drive and has also supported local productions such as Roundings, Jim Wilson and Friends and John Bayless: A Christmas Rhapsody as well as station outreach programs such as the Texas Panhandle WWII Stories Project.

“This trust was formed to help improve the quality of life in Amarillo and the Panhandle,” says Chip Garrison, Trust Administrator.  “One way we accomplish that goal is by supporting public television.  KACV and PBS truly provide opportunities for lifelong learning.”

The Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle

The Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle provides services to older individuals and their caregivers in the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Funding for the agency is comprised of federal, state, and local funds. Federal funds from the Older Americans Act, USDA and State General Revenue are provided through the Texas Department on Aging and Disability Services.  AAA is mandated to identify and provide assistance to older individuals with special emphasis on those in greatest economic and social need, locally, and to those living in rural areas.

The mission of the Area Agency on Aging is to promote the dignity and independence of older individuals and to serve as a focal point and advocate for older persons and their concerns.  The goal of AAA is to help older individuals maintain independence and live in their own homes and improve their quality of life while also being an advocate for those in assisted living and long-term care facilities. The Area Agency provides information, referral and assistance, in-depth benefits counseling, in-home services, caregiver support program, public education events and nursing home ombudsman program.  AAA staff can assist older individuals and/or their caregivers in accessing public and private benefits.

The Area Agency on Aging is a part of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.  They can be reached at 806-331-2227, toll free at 1-800-642-6008 or online at www.theprpc.org/programs/aaa/aaa.htm.  

ATMOS Energy

Since 2002, Atmos Energy has been a corporate sponsor of KACV’s August Membership Drive.  “We believe in supporting the communities we work in and realize that KACV Television is an integral part of the community by providing quality, educational public television,” says Ben Brister, Manager of Customer Operations in Amarillo.  “KACV has something for everyone and provides a quality product for families in the Panhandle area.”

The company’s employees look forward to the pledge drive and volunteer because they get to have fun and be together outside the normal working environment.

Atmos Energy employs approximately 400 people in various locations throughout Amarillo and Canyon. 

Mary E. Bivins Foundation

This featured underwriter is the Mary E. Bivins Foundation.  The Foundations was the lead underwriter of the Texas Panhandle WWII Stories Project on KACV.  Judy Day, president of the Foundation says “The Mary E. Bivins Foundation wanted to support a program that honors the greatest generation because it reflects so much of who we are.  It just fit with our mission of service to older adults.”

Established in 1949, the Mary E. Bivins Foundation is committed to improving and enriching the quality of life in the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.  Foundation focuses are elder care, religious education and quality of life for the residents of the Panhandle.  Perhaps Mary Bivins herself said it best in a 1935 letter to her grandchildren:
“I am giving your fathers certain mineral rights and royalties in trust for you…I hope you will use this for the betterment of humanity and honor to yourselves.” – Mary Elizabeth Bivins

Gene Born Studio

Follett artist Gene Born underwrites KACV’s Best of Joy of Painting with Bob Ross for a very good reason – he’s a Bob Ross certified instructor.  Born began studying the Bob Ross technique in 1999 and became certified in landscape techniques later that year.  In 2006, Born was approved for floral, wildlife and portrait techniques. “My training is individualized like on Bob’s show,” says Born.  “Students paint along with me and when the lesson is complete, they take their finished painting home.”  Lessons generally take about four hours.  Born carries Bob Ross products and supplies in his studio. “The Bob Ross products really do make the process easier,” he added.

For more information about classes call the Gene Born Studio at 806-653-3661.

Boyd’s Equipment

Established in 1940 as a propane business, Boyd’s Equipment has grown to serve many customers.  The Agri-division provides sprayers, poly tanks, pumps and parts regionally and nationally.  Recently, Boyd’s increased its fireplace and barbecue departments with a wide array of heating products and eight brands of grills.  They have grills in all price ranges, including high-performance models and accessories for outdoor kitchens.  Many new items are being added.  At Boyd’s, you can fill a propane bottle, buy a grill or sample sauces and spices.  It’s truly a one-stop grill shop.

“Steven Raichlen is the guru of grilling,” says Randy Bigelow of Boyd’s.  “He really knows his stuff—that’s why we wanted to help sponsor Barbecue University on KACV.”  Boyd’s carries some of Raichlen’s products and his popular cookbooks.

Brady Dental Group

For more than 30 years, Brady Dental Group, a family dental practice has provided outstanding dental care to patients of all ages.  The doctors at Brady Dental Group place an especially strong emphasis on preventative care.  The goal is for each patient to receive the absolute highest level of dental care from dentists who are recognized for their depth of education, skill and genuine concern for each patient’s dental health. 

Doctors Chris Brady, DDS; Kimberly Gilbert, DDS and Laura Turner, DDS are very kid friendly.  “Parents are encouraged to make sure their child has regular dental checkups - every 6 months - in order to maintain good dental health,” says Dr. Brady.  “Starting your child off with healthy dental habits will help ensure that they have a lifetime of beautiful smiles.” 

Brady Dental Group is pleased to provide local underwriting for Fetch with Ruff Ruffman and Martha Speaks.

B&W Pantex

Pantex Plant, near Amarillo, is charged with maintaining the safety, security and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. The facility is managed and operated by B&W Pantex for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. B&W Pantex is one of the largest employers in the area. Employees are known for their generosity and are active members of their communities - donating time, talent and resources.

B&W Pantex has supported KACV for many years, underwriting programming such as NOVA and the new children's program SID, The Science Kid. In September 2007, B&W Pantex provided support for the broadcast of The War as well as the local outreach project, The Texas Panhandle World War II Stories Project. The company also sponsored an evening during KACV's pledge drive in an effort to bring quality Public Television to viewers across the Panhandle.  

"Public Television touches the lives of all Panhandle residents," said Debra Halliday, Pantex Community Relations Coordinator. "That is why we support the programming and the station," she added.

John Chandler Ford/Hyundai

Since 1989, John Chandler Ford has been a strong supporter of KACV.  The local Ford and Hyundai dealership is one of the corporate sponsors of the December Challenge Drive each year.  Members of the Chandler sales team arrive at the KACV studios every year ready to help the station raise important individual membership dollars on the phone bank.  John Chandler also serves as one of the hosts during the evening.  “It’s a fun evening and it’s for a good cause,” says John Chandler.  “We always enjoy helping out with the KACV Membership Drive, we’ve done it for years.” 

Dr. Tracy Crnic

Pediatric Ophthalmology of the Panhandle is a proud supporter of children’s programming on KACV.  Dr. Tracy Crnic is a medical doctor whose special training is dedicated to children’s eye care. Dr. Crnic is only full-time pediatric ophthalmologist within a 150 mile radius of Amarillo. Pediatric Ophthalmology of the Panhandle serves the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, as well as southeast Colorado and eastern New Mexico.

Dr. Crnic says, “We enjoy supporting the programming on KACV. Because the PBS programs are always educational, we feel like we are helping to bring an important service to the entire Panhandle.” 

The team at Pediatric Ophthalmology of the Panhandle wants to make sure that a visit to their offices is a positive experience, and they provide children with the best possible care for their vision health, combining the latest technologies and a caring, experienced staff.

Culligan of Amarillo

Culligan has been serving Amarillo and Canyon since 1940 and they specialize in residential & commercial water treatment, water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, home & office bottled water and salt delivery.  Culligan has been a KACV Supporter since 2006. 

“We support public television in the Panhandle because of the quality programming,” Says Jimmy Lewis, General Manager.  “We help underwrite some of the great cooking programs on Saturday mornings on KACV.”

Education Credit Union

Education Credit Union has been a corporate supporter of KACV for seven years.  Currently, the financial institution sponsors the March Membership Drive and is the principle sponsor of KACV Kids.  The institution also underwrites Biz Kid$.  “We feel strongly about supporting the educational programming offered by KACV,” says April Altom, marketing director.  “It is so important for children to get a financial education as well.  ECU’s Scotty Savers program helps kids through age 12 learn how to save.  With every deposit, children receive Scotty Bucks that are used to purchase items like backpacks, purses and pencils.” 

Education Credit Union has 70 employees in two Amarillo locations, one Canyon and one Bushland branch.  KACV is pleased to have the support of Education Credit Union to help bring quality public television to the Texas Panhandle.

Entrepreneur Alliance

Entrepreneur Alliance is a non-profit consortium of 11 resource organizations in Amarillo, Borger, Dumas, Pampa and Perryton whose purpose is to connect Texas Panhandle small business owners with a variety of financial and consultative business assistance.  This assistance helps new entrepreneurs minimize risk and maximize the likelihood of success – all of which enrich the local economy.

Ashton Allison, the organization’s executive director, says “We support Nightly Business Report on KACV because much like Entrepreneur Alliance, NBR gives small business owners the tools they need to thrive in today’s business climate.  It just seemed like a good fit.”

For more information about Entrepreneur Alliance, visit them at www.GetYourDream.org or call 322-0032.

 

C.J. & Syble Fowlston Charitable Trust

C.J. and Syble Fowlston were big fans of PBS and particularly The Lawrence Welk Show.  “Lawrence Welk was one of their favorite shows, and they began sponsoring the program on KACV 15 years ago,” says Joyce Perkins, trustee of the Fowlston Trust.  “The show gave them so much joy and it’s nice to know that part of their legacy is to continue to bring The Lawrence Welk Show to viewers throughout the Panhandle.” 

The Fowlstons lived at the Derrick Ranch East of Dumas for many years.  When they moved to Amarillo, they were among the first residents at the Continental Retirement Community.   

Gilliland Family Foundation

Since 1997, the Gilliland Family Foundation support has allowed the station to air quality programs that viewers have come to expect. 

The Gilliland Family started the foundation in 1996 to provide support for local philanthropic causes like KACV.  The Gilliland Family Foundation supports many organizations in the Texas Panhandle such as Race for the Cure, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Downtown Women’s Center, The Maverick Club KACV-TV and many others. 

Robin Gilliland Weir, vice president of the foundation says, “we love Amarillo and feel honored to work and live here.  We try to encourage everyone to find something they love and support it.  At the Gilliland Family Foundation, we feel strongly about supporting KACV because public television is so important for our area.” 

Hrycyk Financial, LLC

Stephanie Hrycyk of Hrycyk Financial, LLC is our featured underwriter.  Hrycyk Financial is an independent financial planning firm located in Amarillo.  For 22 years, Stephanie Hrycyk and her staff have worked with clients who have had life changes such as retirement, inheritance or the sale of a business.  Hrycyk Financial’s goal is to help clients develop a plan to maintain an equitable income with growth tailored for each client’s situation.  If you are planning to retire, schedule a meeting three months prior to retirement.  “There are many things to discuss such as insurance, wills and retirement goals,” says Stephanie.  “Our clients know how important it is to plan and to be able to retire and maintain financial strength.  That way they can focus on enjoying life.”

If you would like more information visit their website at www.hrycykfinancial.com or call the office at 806-677-0895 or 1-800-753-5584. 

Kohl’s of Amarillo

KACV is pleased to have this underwriter as a partner for many station projects.  Kohl’s of Amarillo is one of the corporate sponsors of the Kids Club.  Kohl’s volunteers work at every party to help KACV staff members create fun events for Kids Club members and other children.  Kohl’s volunteers have decorated the studio and served breakfast at Clifford’s Love of Reading events, they have served over 250 banana splits at Curious George’s Banana Split party and they’ve wrangled kids in costume at the station’s Costume Party in October.  Each time the local Kohl’s team members volunteer at station events, the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program makes a donation to the station.  KACV is pleased to have Kohl’s as a partner in the Kids Club and in other station projects.

McDonald’s of Amarillo and Canyon

McDonald’s of Amarillo is owned and operated by the Dana family.  The Dana’s believe in giving back to the community and part of that commitment to community includes annual sponsorship of the Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrator’s Contest in conjunction with KACV.  The Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators Contest is open kindergarten through third grade students in Amarillo and the Panhandle.  Area children enter an original story that they write and illustrate.  All entrants are recognized at an awards ceremony and local winning entries are then sent to the national competition. 

“Our success with McDonald’s has been that we focus on the community where we work and we try to help our community wherever we can,” says Jill Dana.  “That is why we feel so strongly about supporting public television in the Panhandle.”

For more information about McDonald's of Amarillo and Canyon, visit their website at www.mctexas.com/amarillo.

 

 

Texas is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation yet, the Lone Star State is losing its undeveloped land faster than any other state in the United States. With a commitment to conserving Texas’ native animals, plants and landscapes that began in 1964, The Nature Conservancy now owns more than 30 Texas nature preserves and conservation properties and assists private landowners to conserve their land through more than 100 voluntary land-preservation agreements.

 

The Nature Conservancy of Texas was a premiere underwriter of Ken Burn’s The National Parks: America’s Best Idea on KACV. For more information about The Nature conservancy of Texas, visit their website at www.nature.org/texas

 

Northwest Texas Healthcare System

NWTHS has provided support to KACV by underwriting a variety of programs…from A Lion in the House, a touching documentary about children with cancer to Ken Burns’ THE WAR. Northwest is a proud supporter of Public Television.  

Northwest Texas Healthcare System serves the city of Amarillo and the surrounding region and is staffed by more than 350 physicians representing 38 specialties. These physicians have established excellent standards of quality care and community service. Northwest Texas Healthcare System brings the area the most advanced technology in healthcare. This commitment to professional and individual excellence is shared by the highly respected NWTHS nursing staff. It is reflected in the responsive efficiency of the administrative team. The result is an exceptional healthcare system that meets the needs of its community and those of its staff.

 

 

The Partner’s in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation provided local support for KACV’s most recent documentary, The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon which premiered in September, 2009. 

 

Partners was created to ensure the future of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, enhance the quality of educational, interpretive and recreational opportunities of the park, recruit and organize volunteers, promote regional support, and to solicit, receive, and administer gifts, memorials and endowments for the benefit of the park.

 

Through their support, KACV was able to not only produce this spectacular program, but to make DVD copies of the documentary available to every elementary and middle school library in Amarillo and Canyon. Teachers will be able to use the video to prepare students for field trips to the canyon and enhance their learning experience. 

R&R Quilt Shop

R&R Quilt Shop, located at 4332 Teckla Blvd. is proud to help bring some of KACV-TV’s most popular quilting programs to viewers in the Texas Panhandle.  Quilt in a Day and Kaye's Quilting Friends are favorites among local quilters and R&R Quilts is a favorite place to shop.  R&R Quilts has new products and ideas arriving almost every day.  Owner Millie Reynolds invites you to come see what’s new.

The Secret Place

Since 1991, the Secret Place has been a loyal supporter of public television in the Panhandle.  This local women’s gifts, accessories and apparel store has underwritten Sesame Street and provided station outreach support for a variety of activities and programs and is proud to sponsor quality educational programming on KACV. 

You are invited to visit the Secret Place at 3690 S. Soncy in Amarillo.

Sewing Nook

The Sewing Nook has underwritten programming on KACV for 15 years.  Located at 3305 Bell, the business has been in operation since 1988.  Owners Lori and Doug Gano took over the business from Lori’s parents, Gail and Wayne Stevens.  “We love to sponsor KACV,” says Lori.  “All of the sewing and quilting programs on KACV really help get the word out about new techniques and tools.  Many times we talk to viewers who were inspired with new ideas by watching the show.  It’s all about inspiration!”

The Sewing Nook carries a full line of sewing machines, sergers and embroidery machines by Bernina, Brother, Pfaff and Baby Lock.  They offer free instructional classes to teach new owners about their machines and have an in-store technician.  Visit the Sewing Nook online at www.thesewingnook.com.

Sisters’ Scraps

Sisters’ Scraps Quilt Shop opened its doors in February of 2003.  The “sisters” are really five friends who decided it would be good to open a shop to help other quilters find the products, tools and fabrics necessary to create beautiful quilts. These five friends call themselves ‘sisters at heart’ and come from such varied backgrounds as a second grade teacher, a CPA, a retired counselor from Amarillo College, another soon-to-be-retired counselor from AC and a small business owner. 

In early 2006, Sisters' Scraps began underwriting Kaye’s Quilting Friends on KACV.   Sister’s Scraps owners say they feel it’s important to support programming on KACV because the programs support the shop.  According to co-owner Janice Joyner, “viewers come in all the time with ideas that they have gotten by watching the great shows on KACV.  We love to help them make those ideas a reality.”

Sister’s Scraps is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is located at 6018 SW 33rd in Amarillo.

Street Toyota

For many years, Street Toyota has been a supporter of KACV.  What started as a position on the KACV Advisory Board for owner Joe Street became a long-term commitment for the entire company.  “When I joined the KACV Advisory Board, I found out what this station does for the community.  I knew that Street Toyota could help,” says Joe Street.  “Our employees enjoy working the pledge drives and we never have any problem filling the phone banks. Our staff members know they’re helping the community and they know they’ll have fun too.”  The company sponsors the August pledge drive each year, and also provided local underwriting support for the landmark PBS documentary, Carrier. 

The dealership in located at 45th and Soncy. The state of the art facility emphasizes customer's comfort, from ample parking right down to the gourmet coffee in the waiting area. Street Toyota is a four-time winner of Toyota’s “President’s Award” for overall dealership excellence, an eight-time winner of Parts, Service and Sales Excellence Awards and has recently become the first dealer in West Texas to become Signature Certified.

 

Wellborn Sign Company

For 27 years, Wellborn Sign Company has been creating lighted works of art to help identify businesses in Amarillo and Lubbock.  In May of 2007, Wellborn Sign Company began underwriting Antiques Roadshow on KACV.   “We wanted to help bring Antiques Roadshow to viewers across the Texas Panhandle for two reasons…first, it’s a favorite program of mine,” says Michael Wellborn, “but also because we have a commitment to helping preserve local history by renovating and re-installing historic signs.”  Most notably, Wellborn Sign Company renovated the sign for the Paramount Building in Downtown Amarillo, the Ritz Theatre Sign in Wellington and many others.  

Wellborn Sign Co. is a full service sign company, providing clients with an array of products and services from design to vehicle wraps, awnings, neon and large scale fabrications. The company operates in Amarillo and Lubbock.  Visit them at www.wsignco.com.

Wonderland Park

Since 1951, Wonderland Park has been a place where family memories are made.  Wonderland Park celebrates 55 years of fun in 2006.  Wonderland Park is proud to sponsor quality educational children’s programming on KACV-TV because of our shared commitment to outreach and quality programs for children. 

Visit them on the Web at www.wonderlandpark.com

 

 

Since its founding in 1916, family-owned United Supermarkets has made it a mission to "build up" communities. KACV is privileged and pleased to have the local support of United Supermarkets. As one of the sponsors of the KACV Kids program, United helps the station reach out to our youngest viewers. United also assisted KACV on Earth Day, 2009 by providing paper grocery sacks which the children who attended Earth Fest at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center decorated with messages about conserving natural resources. These sacks were then returned to the stores and used to spread the word about conservation. 

 

According to the United Supermarkets website, “One of the greatest privileges we enjoy is to be able to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.” Thank you United Supermarkets for making a positive impact through your support of KACV. 

 

For more information about United Supermarkets, visit their website at www.unitedtexas.com