Buffalo, NY – WNED Buffalo/Toronto will name its Classical 94.5 FM broadcast booth “The Charles N. Hubbell Studio” in honor of a generous benefactor who recently bequeathed $1.4 million to the public broadcasting station. A plaque will be unveiled during a rededication ceremony at WNED headquarters, 140 Lower Terrace in downtown Buffalo, on July 22 at 10 am. Hubbell’s attorney, Lisa Allen, who helped facilitate the gift, will be present.

The former engineer was obviously passionate about music ― especially classical music. He amassed more than 10,000 CDs and had his home wired for exceptional sound.  Most recently a resident of an assisted living facility in Amherst, Hubbell was a bachelor with no heirs when he died in 2007 at age 72.

Records dating back to 1982 show that Hubbell contributed to WNED’s television and radio stations for at least 25 years. In 2005, he established a trust that provided a modest income for himself and named WNED the beneficiary. WNED received the resulting legacy gift – the largest in the station’s history – last December.

WNED’s President and CEO Donald K. Boswell hailed Hubbell as one of public broadcasting’s most loyal fans. “We don’t know much about this quiet patron,” he said, “but we are extremely grateful for his enormous generosity.

“To all of us at WNED, his name will serve as a dramatic reminder of the impact we have, and of our unique responsibility to viewers and listeners. We will ensure that his gift will foster the best that public broadcasting can offer, especially the life-enhancing programming that must have inspired Mr. Hubbell’s long-time support.”

As with all bequests left to WNED, Hubbell’s contribution will become part of the WNED Foundation’s endowment, with investment earnings maintaining a legacy of classical music and public broadcasting for generations to come.

For information about the WNED Legacy Society, contact Colleen Miller at 716-845-7031 or cmillerATwnedDotorg.