Bill Kelly and Marla Davies, who helm the morning show at KEZR-106.5 FM, broadcast their show live from Pioneer's campus on Dec. 19 to help the drama department raise money toward rebuilding its performing arts center. The center was gutted in a Nov. 30 arson fire allegedly set by two former students.

The broadcast was the last in a series of Christmas wishes the KEZR DJs granted to local families in need this holiday season. Listeners called in to donate money and gifts to 11 families who emailed the station with their requests. Morning-show producer Tim Bednarz said he decided to make Pioneer the 12th "family" served by the program. The station was hoping to help the high school raise $3,000, Bednarz said.

The broadcast actually brought in $8,405 from community members who either called into the station or drove to the front of the campus to make their donations. The fundraising effort got a big boost from San Francisco television station WB20 when general manager Ben Anderson phoned in a pledge of $2,500 and challenged KEZR to match it. The radio station came up with $1,000.

No matter what amount they gave, donors who dropped off their cash or checks at the school were rewarded with an angel pin made by parents of Pioneer drama students. Donations ranged from $750 from John Sezna to $300 from Leigh High School to $2 and change from a 5-year-old boy.

"We've had lots of community come out," said parent Leslie Hanlon. "It's amazing that people are helping."

Hanlon said this community support boosts the morale of those affected by the fire. "[The arsonists] made a big mistake, but something good is coming out of it," she added. "The kids were really stricken at first, but now they're coming on strong."

Pioneer drama instructor Steve Dini said he found the level of donations to be "really reassuring."

"It shows us that there are people in this community who appreciate the arts, appreciate Pioneer and appreciate our kids," he added.

Dini said funds collected during the broadcast would be used to rent sound and lighting equipment for Pioneer's next production. Since the stage probably won't be functional in time for the school's spring musical, Dini plans to stage How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying outdoors in Pioneer's quad.

The fact that the show is going on is important to the students involved. "The first question I asked [after the fire] was, 'What about the spring musical?'" said senior Megan Hamilton. "That's the thing everyone looks forward to."

Alumni of Pioneer's drama department are also concerned that the school's performing arts programs continue. Sara Hanlon, who graduated from Pioneer last year, came with her mother to help pass out angel pins to donors.

"It was just horrible what happened," said the younger Hanlon. "You want to see something good come out of a bad situation."