Vicki Santa, 4/5/52- 12/9/08
Vicki was the heart and soul of this station and largely instrumental in getting our new radio facility built, both in terms of fundraising and construction acumen. She began volunteering here in the 1980s, first chairing the Tropical Heatwave Decorating Committee. She would also use her vacation time to help in station on-air fundraisers.
In 1998, she was hired as Development Director. In 2000, she rose to station manager. Vicki not only tirelessly helped grow 88.5 Community Radio, but also was a strong advocate and champion of Community Radio in North America and a mentor to many new station managers.
Vicki was on the Board of Directors of Pacifica Radio. She was active and presented at several National Federation of Community Broadcasters Conferences (NFCB.). She was also active in establishing the GRC, Grassroots Radio Coalition. Vicki was widely known and respected in public broadcasting as well.
Vicki L. Santa was born in Chicago, IL, on April 5, 1952, the daughter of Martin J. and Phyllis Santa. She is survived by Phyllis Santa, her sister Shelley Santa, and her long-time companion Kenneth Wilson.
Besides WMNF and Community Radio in general, Vicki was passionate about the Grateful Dead and baseball. A season-ticket holder, she lived to see, in person, the Rays in the World Series. She also was co-host of WMNF’s weekly Freak Show, heard on Tuesdays from 7-9pm with host Ed Greene.
Vicki, who stepped down due to health reasons this summer, was also recently nominated for the prestigious NFCB Bader Award.
Many of you are contacting us wondering how you can honor Vicki Santa’s memory. Her family encourages donations to the charity of your choice, or to the following:
If you choose to make a gift to WMNF in her memory, it will be designated toward our Generations Campaign, unless otherwise specified. The Generations Campaign is designed to retire the mortgage on our radio station building... the facility that was Vicki’s dream realized, and a monument to her legacy. For more information, please contact Development Director Laura Taylor at 813-865-8260 or laura@wmnf.org.
Please post remembrances of Vicki using the form below.
Comments
Eric Deggans on Vicki:matt about 11 months ago
Eric Deggans on Vicki: http://blogs.tampabay.com/media/2008/12/vicki-santa-lon.html
vicki
cody about 11 months ago
sleep in the stars dear one. vicki was a force! i consider myself blessed to have known her. my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
vicki
cody about 11 months ago
sleep in the stars dear one. vicki was a force! i consider myself blessed to have known her. my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Rememberances of Vicki
Jamie & Scott Nunnelly about 11 months ago
Vicki was part of the lifeblood of the station. She had an upbeat, positive attitude and more often than not, a smile on her face. She will be sorely missed. All our best to our extended WMNF family in this time of mourning.
Dir of Org Adv - KZME
Dennise M. Kowalczyk about 11 months ago
I'll never forget Vicki. She was a mentor to me when I was station manager of KBOO many years ago and ED of WDIY not so long ago. She had so much information to share and such a willingness to spend an hour on the phone with me when I needed some guidance. A darling, passionate woman whom I'll never forget. Dennise in Oregon
Former GM KZMU & WGDR
Bon Kelly about 11 months ago
I am sad to here of her passing. I am sad I did not send a card at least when informed of her condition over the summer by Marty Durlin. For selfish reasons I'm damn glad I met her back in 1999. She was a hoot, a genuine soul. When she attended the 2003 Grassroots Radio Conference in Moab, UT I placed her and Elizabeth Robinson (I think can't remember for sure) in a listener's house who was traveling and needed someone who was comfortable with feeding his two Parrot's. Vicki was all about it. She remarked that she had a Parrot and would love to do it...no problem. I believe she lost and earring while staying there for the week as well. I had that listener searching for that earring for months. I don't think he ever found it. Ah dearest Vicki. So damn funny and direct. I loved her. She was the kind of take charge, let's get to the heart of the matter, fix it kind of personality I admire. WMNF and Community Radio was lucky to have her for the time she was able. She gave her all and if she had remained healthy she would still be giving 100%, of this I have no doubt. Godspeed to you Vicki as you embark on the unknown journey we are all bound for. A big ole toast and toke to you. All the Love, Bon Kelly.
Grateful Remembrance
Carol Spooner about 11 months ago
I was lucky to meet Vicki when we briefly served on the Pacifica Board together in 2004. How I wish it had been longer. Her insight was clear and wise. I wish I had listened better. I remember her strong commitment to bringing people together and her willingness to do the hard work it takes to get there. She didn't write anyone off, but she called it like she saw it, too. She remains an inspiration that doesn't die. Even in the dark times, there is the bare bones brilliance of lights like Vicki. That light is carried by those who saw her. Thank you, Vicki. And to Vicki's family & friends at WMNF and all around the community radio world and elsewhere -- my heartfelt condolences.
Barry Silber about 11 months ago
I met Vicki in 1972, when we lived in the same USF dorm. If not for her, I would not have passed my statistics course. I'll never forget her humor, passion, and caring nature. The world is a better place because of you, Vicki. My sadness is shared with those at WMNF and others whose lives you touched.
Blessings to Vicki and All she knew
Jo Dougherty about 11 months ago
I listen to the Freak Show weekly and always heard Ed say healing and love to Vicki... I say blessings on crossing the rainbow bridge, and blessings to the whole 'MNF family and Vicki's family. Her voice, presence and wit will be missed by this listener. She's probably at a station meeting in Heaven!
Vicki and Kenny
Dana about 11 months ago
Vicki, I'm so sad for myself that I won't be able to enjoy your fresh smiles, laughs, hugs, wit and hard work for a while. I'm so happy for you that you are now pain and burden free as you proceed on your journey. I feel instinctively that your mom and sister must feel something close to the same. Your family is obviously a loving one to have nurtured such a loving daughter and sister. Kenny, you are Vicki's rock! Thank you for the generous favor that you did for me years ago when I first met you. I tried to pay you but you chuckled and said something like "I can't take your money - you're Vicki's friend." Thank you for unselfishly sharing your partner with the world. You may not know it but Vicki told anecdotes like when you drove her to all day out-patient treatments and the nurse told you she'd be napping for a while and you could leave. You always chose to sit with her. She called you her "Angel." Please know that you are our brother. Please let us know if you need or want anything - any thing. We want to honor Vicki and you in any way we can. Bless you, and bless Vicki. Readers: Please listen to the beautiful and moving Freak Show tribute to Vicki on 12/9.
Freak Show Tribute
Dana about 11 months ago
The 12/9 Freak Show (which she had co-hosted) tribute to Vicki is archived at wmnf.org for a week. You can listen to it or download it (I think) during that time. If push comes to shove, Ed Greene has a copy of it.
Vicki and her nephews
Kathy Carolan Watanabe about 11 months ago
I was fortunate to work with Vicki as a volunteer from 1998-2000. I remember when Trout Fishing in America were doing a childrens' show out at Skipper's and Vicki was going to take her nephews. She was so excited. It is hard to know who was going to have more fun - them or Vicki. Looking at the picture of Vicki with the stuffed panda bear, I think it is clear who had more fun at that show. Vicki had a lot of love and was full of fun. She will surely be missed. I'm honored to have known her.
Former GRC Attendee and News Dir. of KGOU
Scott Gurian about 11 months ago
I didn't know Vicki all that well, but I met her at several Grassroots Radio Conferences, and I believe she was part of the panel that interviewed me when I applied for a job at WMNF. She seemed like a great person, and I'm sure her passing will be an enormous loss to the WMNF community!
Vicki
Dominick Oppolo about 11 months ago
While I only had the opportunity to meet Vicki once, she is one of the reasons that I started donating to WMNF, her passion came through the radio loud and clear and that's something I admire. The community will miss you.
Former VC chairperson
Amy Friedman about 11 months ago
I was always in awe of her total calmness and sensibilties. During some dark times at the station a few years ago, being almost in tears at the harsh words spoken regarding our wonderful MNF community, she took me aside and reassured me. She always said the right thing at the right time. I wish at had half of her insight. We will miss her so much. Vicki-Say HI! to Dave for us.
Friends
Don Hyde about 11 months ago
We are all better people because of Vickie. I know I am better because she infused in me a spirit of community, just as she intended. She lived her life with a purpose, and thankfully she was able to fulfill it. A wise man said that "success means that your business can run without you having to attend to it." Vickie's groundwork, and legacy of great people as devoted to the station as she, has proven and will continue to prove that she was a great success. Rest now, Vickie, you deserve to be without pain. Thank you for helping me focus my life. Thank you for introducing me to so many wonderful people, and making better people out of mixed up misfits like me.
Friends
Don Hyde about 11 months ago
We are all better people because of Vickie. I know I am better because she infused in me a spirit of community, just as she intended. She lived her life with a purpose, and thankfully she was able to fulfill it. A wise man said that "success means that your business can run without you having to attend to it." Vickie's groundwork, and legacy of great people as devoted to the station as she, has proven and will continue to prove that she was a great success. Rest now, Vickie, you deserve to be without pain. Thank you for helping me focus my life. Thank you for introducing me to so many wonderful people, and making better people out of mixed up misfits like me.
A woman with a punch list
Mark Barroso about 11 months ago
You may be hearing from a lot of people that Vicki was the heart and soul of the station. But let me tell you, I think if she heard this she would say, “Can we go on to something else?” That’s because Vicki was a workhorse, a veteran of the building trades who always had a punch list in her back pocket for whatever had to be done. Whether it was gluing glitter on a cardboard Heatwave decoration or yet another gathering of grumblers otherwise known as a station meeting, Vicki was always the last one talking in the parking lot with an armful of STUFF in her arms. She patiently listened to everyone, but when it was her turn to talk, you’d better find a place to sit because it was going to be awhile. Her passion was quiet and steady, and always thought how she could serve the station’s mission, including the unofficial one of mischief making (this was long ago before she was Headmaster). Whether it was helping string mic cable to the street to heckle passer-bys for marathon donations or playing the straight woman to your bad on-air joke, Vicki knew the value of play. Over the years when I would return to visit ‘mnf, chatting with Vicki made me feel like I was home, and I felt like I did when I sank into a favorite couch. Vicki, this song goes out to you (and typical of people my age, I can’t remember who did it): “Friends are like warm clothes In the night air Best when they're old And we miss them the most when they're gone Miss them the most when they're gone…”
Vicki the dancer
Linda Hubner about 11 months ago
Some of my fondest memories come from the hours I spent at local Grateful Dead shows. There you would find Vicki dancing to the music she loved best. I always felt affected and inspired by her good spirit then and do now. She is in the light now and will not have to leave it again.
Remembering Vicki
MJ Williamson about 11 months ago
I met Vicki in 1993 or 1994 when we served together on the Earth Day Tampa Bay steering committee. This committee met often, at the EPC in Ybor, and I thought I knew who she was - the construction lady who was so generous with her time and her expertise. One day after serving toh=gether on this committee for over a year, we happened to pull into the parking lot at the same time - I saw her climbing out of her little car, plastered with Dead stickers, as I was climbing out of my Geo with a big ol' Steal Your Face on the back . . . We looked at each other as somethinkg clicked.. "Oh! There you are." Ed, love ya, man, but I alwys liked the shows with Vicky the best.
Susan & Marco about 11 months ago
To Vicki's family & her WMNF family. I am so sorry for your loss and incredible sadness. You are in our prayers. Susan & Marco
Love you Vicki
Phil Lee about 11 months ago
" she could dance a Cajun rhythm, just like a Willys in four wheel drive."
Sharon Pack about 11 months ago
HEY VICKI, SO GLAD YOU WERE HERE! FABULOUS RADIO VOICE TOO.
we'll miss her
Brad about 11 months ago
Although I never really knew Vicki, I felt like I did because of the powerful personality she portrayed over the airwaves. The few times that I met her, she was so gracious with a wonderful smile. Although I'll miss her voice on the Freak Show every Tuesday, I celebrate the fact that she was here and did so much during her life.
cya soon
jon newman about 11 months ago
vicky , do you remember the rise and fall of Dean Moriarity . i know i will never forget . Vicky you are a queen . congradulations on your promption , i know we'll see each other again soon . till we meet again jon
All Our Love
Alaine and Aria about 11 months ago
Ms. Vickie always had a kind word for my daughter Aria and she continuously looked forward to seeing Ms. Vickie at the station, sponsored events and even at the grocery! We will miss her. Our hearts go out to you- mom, sister, and Kenneth. We all love her.
Condolences from New Jersey
Ida & Tom Brown about 11 months ago
Dear family & friends of Vicki, Tom and I were so sorry to learn of Vicki's passing. We had the pleasure of meeting Vicki a few years ago when we visited the studio to see the room being dedicated to the memory of our dear cousin Mike Eisenstadt. The passion and enthusiasm that Vicki had for WMNF and all of her surroundings was truly amazing. We are fortunate to have known her and to have been able to see the legacy she has left behind. I know she and Mike are smiling down upon all of you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Ida and Tom
condolences
Rhone Fraser about 11 months ago
Vicki: I am grateful for having had the chance to sit in your office and work out studio time to interview musician Richard Smallwood. When I listen to him, I will think of you now, especially his instrumental, "I'd Rather Have Jesus," a song he dedicated to the passing of his mother, another strong woman. Thank you for your support. Rest in peace. -RF.
What Is The Soul Of A Man?
Marvin (Marv) T. Flemmings about 11 months ago
Hey Family and Friends of Vicki Santa! I'm Marv Flemmings at, " The Greatest Community Radio Station In The World ", of which I am luck to be apart of, as a Volunteer Radio Programmer. I am glad you gave me a chance Vicki, for I was a "Lost Soul of A Radio Junky"! That was until I came here to WMNF, 88.5. And I will never forget when you can down the first day and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug, and you ask me "Where have you been? And I told you that I was sitting home doing nothing. And I gotten in touch with the station and inquired about how I could get involed? It was at this time that I knew I was going to enjoy working here at WMNF. Then one day I played, " What Is The Soul Of A Man"? A song by Eric Burden and The Animals, which had been re-released on a Blues sampler and you wanted a copy. And from that day on I felt welcome, here a WMNF-FM. I hate to see you leave but, The Great Creater, GOD, called you. I was glad to see you when Senator Obama came to Tampa and spoke at The New York Yankees Spring Training Faculity where we set together in the stands. After it was over, I walked you to your car, and you then drove me to my car. That was the last time I saw you. I now wished that I could have spent more time with you that day. If I had known that was the last time I would see you. That would've have been a good time to spend more time. As it is you have gone and I will never forget you! :-D May GOD Bless Your soul and your family members souls. " What Is The Soul Of A Man? " Hey Vicki, I now know the answer to that question? It is the air that we Breathe. Rest In Peace Vicki Santa. I will never forget you and I will see you in Heaven! Always Yours, Marvin (Marv) Flemmings
Re: Deepest sympathy for family and friends
Bassam about 11 months ago
As a long time friend of the Freak show, I logged onto the home page to hear an archive of the Freak show as I now live in Boston. As I saw her picture on the home page I hoped it wasn't true what I feared may be true. Extremely sad. I only got to hang out with her a few times when I visited the Freak Show on occasions when I would be back in Tampa. She was always warm and had a beautiful spirit. I admired the fact that she continued to fight the good fight and worked to make the world a better place through her involvement in MNF and other areas. Will be missed dearly. Visits to the Freak Show in the future will never be the same. I hope a section of MNF gets dedicated in her honor.
shocked
sooze about 10 months ago
Live in Citrus county now and only get to hear WMNF on my trips south. Shocked when I heard of Vicki's passing. Prayers and thoughts go out to family, friends and to the family at WMNF.
A Dream Come True.:.A Spirit Guide
jOjO GRuNT about 10 months ago
Before i met Vicki, several years ago, i had a dream. In that vivid dream, i stood upon the edge of a rocky cliff. On that rocky cliff, i was surrounded by fog. I stood transfixed, frozen with fear, staring at my toes. Below my toes, there was only an inch of rocky ledge. Beyond my feet, i could only see a dense, seemingly endless fog. Staring downward, i stood there transfixed. Frozen with fear, i wanted to jump into the fog. Filled with anxiety, i could not move. Then, deep within me, a soothing voice said: "Just Let Go." So i did. I jumped headlong into the fog. Arms outstretched, i fell. And fell. And fell... And fell... . . . . . . . . . . .. ... And fell until i could feel my body no more. And then, the fog lifted and i landed. Light as a feather, i landed. In a field of sunlight. And there she was: A spirit guide. . .. ... A warm welcome. A friendly face. A wondrous place. ...~~~>>>^^^<<<~~~... And there was wonderful music. And magnificent oak trees. And a lush green grass. ...~~~>>>^^^<<<~~~... ... .. . When i awoke, i was filled with warm feelings. Many years later, i finally met this angel. Now i know just whom that spirit guide was. From the moments i looked in her eyes, i knew. When i went to Skippers, i knew the trees. Many years later, i knew those same trees. Not just that, but also the welcome faces. From the day of the Holiday Bazaar i knew. When i heard the wonderfull music, i knew. Many years later, i know she guided my path. Not just in my dreams, but in real life, too. From her mole hill on MLK mountain, she led. She led. Like a Zeppelin, she led. Oh, like a graceful wonder, she led. She landed me softly, at the speed of sound. She led. Like the lead balloon, she led. Hearing her voice, it grounded me, gently. Every lil thing she did, every big thing too. Led me, led us, led stations, led the world. Each time i hear her voice, it reminded me. Dreams can come true, sometimes, if lucky. Santa Victoria: Oh, so victoria! She led. She led us all. Oh, so grateful; She built. She built it. Oh, so gracious, She loved. She loved us. SantaVictoria: She led. She built. She loved. Oh, Santa Victoria. U lead on, U sail on... .
A Dream Come True.:.A Spirit Guide
jOjO GRuNT about 10 months ago
Before i met Vicki, several years ago, i had a dream. In that vivid dream, i stood upon the edge of a rocky cliff. On that rocky cliff, i was surrounded by fog. I stood transfixed, frozen with fear, staring at my toes. Below my toes, there was only an inch of rocky ledge. Beyond my feet, i could only see a dense, seemingly endless fog. Staring downward, i stood there transfixed. Frozen with fear, i wanted to jump into the fog. Filled with anxiety, i could not move. Then, deep within me, a soothing voice said: "Just Let Go." So i did. I jumped headlong into the fog. Arms outstretched, i fell. And fell. And fell... And fell... . . . . . . . . . . .. ... And fell until i could feel my body no more. And then, the fog lifted and i landed. Light as a feather, i landed. In a field of sunlight. And there she was: A spirit guide. . .. ... A warm welcome. A friendly face. A wondrous place. ...~~~>>>^^^<<<~~~... And there was wonderful music. And magnificent oak trees. And a lush green grass. ...~~~>>>^^^<<<~~~... ... .. . When i awoke, i was filled with warm feelings. Many years later, i finally met this angel. Now i know just whom that spirit guide was. From the moments i looked in her eyes, i knew. When i went to Skippers, i knew the trees. Many years later, i knew those same trees. Not just that, but also the welcome faces. From the day of the Holiday Bazaar i knew. When i heard the wonderfull music, i knew. Many years later, i know she guided my path. Not just in my dreams, but in real life, too. From her mole hill on MLK mountain, she led. She led. Like a Zeppelin, she led. Oh, like a graceful wonder, she led. She landed me softly, at the speed of sound. She led. Like the lead balloon, she led. Hearing her voice, it grounded me, gently. Every lil thing she did, every big thing too. Led me, led us, led stations, led the world. Each time i hear her voice, it reminded me. Dreams can come true, sometimes, if lucky. Santa Victoria: Oh, so victoria! She led. She led us all. Oh, so grateful; She built. She built it. Oh, so gracious, She loved. She loved us. SantaVictoria: She led. She built. She loved. Oh, Santa Victoria. U lead on, U sail on... . .. .,. . , . . , . . , . ,
A Dream Come True.:.A Spirit Guide
jOjO GRuNT about 10 months ago
Before i met Vicki, several years ago, i had a dream. In that vivid dream, i stood upon the edge of a rocky cliff. On that rocky cliff, i was surrounded by fog. I stood transfixed, frozen with fear, staring at my toes. Below my toes, there was only an inch of rocky ledge. Beyond my feet, i could only see a dense, seemingly endless fog. Staring downward, i stood there transfixed. Frozen with fear, i wanted to jump into the fog. Filled with anxiety, i could not move. Then, deep within me, a soothing voice said: "Just Let Go." So i did. I jumped headlong into the fog. Arms outstretched, i fell. And fell. And fell... And fell... . . . . . . . . . . .. ... And fell until i could feel my body no more. And then, the fog lifted and i landed. Light as a feather, i landed. In a field of sunlight. And there she was: A spirit guide. . .. ... A warm welcome. A friendly face. A wondrous place. ...~~~>>>^^^<<<~~~... And there was wonderful music. And magnificent oak trees. And a lush green grass. ...~~~>>>^^^<<<~~~... ... .. . When i awoke, i was filled with warm feelings. Many years later, i finally met this angel. Now i know just whom that spirit guide was. From the moments i looked in her eyes, i knew. When i went to Skippers, i knew the trees. Many years later, i knew those same trees. Not just that, but also the welcome faces. From the day of the Holiday Bazaar i knew. When i heard the wonderfull music, i knew. Many years later, i know she guided my path. Not just in my dreams, but in real life, too. From her mole hill on MLK mountain, she led. She led. Like a Zeppelin, she led. Oh, like a graceful wonder, she led. She landed me softly, at the speed of sound. She led. Like the lead balloon, she led. Hearing her voice, it grounded me, gently. Every lil thing she did, every big thing too. Led me, led us, led stations, led the world. Each time i hear her voice, it reminded me. Dreams can come true, sometimes, if lucky. Santa Victoria: Oh, so victoria! She led. She led us all. Oh, so grateful; She built. She built it. Oh, so gracious, She loved. She loved us. SantaVictoria: She led. She built. She loved. Oh, Santa Victoria. U lead on, U sail on... . .. .,. . , . . , . . , . ,
I deeply repected her
Al Juhl about 10 months ago
I was a long time listener to WMNF but our restaurant was was new to contributing food during marathons. Wanting to help WMNF and get a little publicity for our place, I feed the volunteers. I was told we would be listed on the WMNF website. About 2 weeks after marathon was over, I didn't see our name on the website, I did see Burger King 3 times. It made me mad, little guy getting trumped by the big corporation, again. So, I wrote a note to Vicki explaining how I felt jilted. While all she would have ever had to do was email me back, she took time out of her busy day, drove across town to our place, personally thanked us, hugged me and copied me on her correspondences to get us added. It really touched me and I cried. While I always listened and loved WMNF since moving here in 1993, when my faith in WMNF's stated commitment to community was weak, she proved that we mattered. On the day I heard she had passed away, I cried again.