LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - The Kansas Audio-Reader Network, the radio reading service for the blind, is holding its second Facebook Live sale of audio goods at 6 pm today (THUR). The sale of vintage and gently-used audio equipment provides funding for the statewide organization's many information services for the vision-impaired.
Based at the University of Kansas, Audio-Reader is the nation's second oldest radio reading service. With more than 450 volunteers, Audio-Reader provides reading services for the blind and vision-impaired in Kansas and surrounding states. The service is accessible on special radios, over the telephone and online. Audio-Reader also provides live audio description services at theater performances.
But the non-profit information service has fallen on hard times. The free service is based at and provided by KU, but the university is withdrawing all its financial support, making fundraising events like tonight's (THUR) Facebook Live sale increasingly more important.
Audio-Reader typically collects donated audio equipment, records, CDs and musical instruments throughout the year. Qualified volunteer technicians meticulously restore and refurbish the gently used receivers, speakers, amplifiers, turntables and radios. Then, the items are sold to the public at the Douglas County fairgrounds each September. But the pandemic has forced Audio-Reader to change plans this year and cancel its regular in-person sale. Instead, Audio-Reader is holding virtual sales of audio equipment using Facebook Live as the venue.
Audio-Reader's first Facebook Live event July 16 raised more than $1,200. Previous in-person and online sale events have featured products from some of the top names in audio equipment, including Pioneer, Marantz, Martin Logan, McIntosh, Fisher, Harman Kardon, Samsung, Sansui, Sanyo, Sony, Sherwood, Kenwood, JVC, Denon, Onkyo, Akai, Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Toshiba, Yamaha, Rotel, Panasonic - just to name 22 of them.
Funds from the sale go directly to helping Audio-Reader listeners stay connected with their communities and live a life of greatest, possible personal independence. More information about Audio-Reader and its upcoming Facebook Live sales is available by calling (800) 772-8898. For more information on Audio-Reader and its Facebook Live sale, visit reader.ku.edu.
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