Boise State Public Radio has been gifted $1.1 million from the estate of Charles and Lorraine Childers. This marks the largest gift that the public radio station has ever received and it will help transform local journalism in the region.
Specifically, the donation will be used to grow local journalism efforts by supporting Idaho-based reporters’ work, building on the strength of the radio station’s broadcast news services, and growing into future digital news services.
Boise State Public Radio has created The Endowment for Local News to advance these efforts. A portion of the gift will be immediately put into action, supporting current news initiatives that serve its audience.
“Inspired by this generous gift, our station is launching the Legacy Society, a giving club for listeners who choose to include Boise State Public Radio in their estate plans,” said Chelan Lippincott, the stations Broadcast Society manager.
Individuals can learn how an endowment works here. Those who have already included Boise State Public Radio in their estate plans can join the Legacy Society today.
About the Childers
Charles Childers grew up on a farm in Caldwell before attending the University of California – Berkeley where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. After college, Charles served in the Army and spent time stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Following his service, he returned to Idaho and worked for Idaho Power for the duration of his career.
Lorraine, who passed away in 2015, was born in South Dakota and graduated from Kaiser School of Nursing in Oakland. She served the Treasure Valley throughout her career as a nurse.
The Childers married in their 40s and had no children. Charles passed away in July of 2019 at the age of 90.