Photo: Andrew Mullin ~ WJR
SOUTHFIELD, Mich, Feb. 23, 2024 ~ The Salvation Army’s 37th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon raised $1,637,238 to combat hunger and homelessness in Metro Detroit.
The 27-hour radio fundraiser, held on Feb. 22 and 23, aired on 760 WJR with its on-air personalities, Rene Vitale, Mike Parsons, Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, Kevin Dietz, Tom Jordan, Marie Osborne, Paul W. Smith, and Mitch Albom, plus Artichoke Garlic Foundation Co-Founder Dan Aronson and Bed & Bread Club Founder and Detroit Radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan broadcasted from The Salvation Army Great Lakes Divisional Headquarters in Southfield. Purtan, who helped launch the first-ever Radiothon 37 years ago, returned for a surprise second interview to close out the fundraiser.
“For the past 14 years, it has been an honor to partner and support The Salvation Army’s mission of Doing the Most Good,” said Steve Finateri, 760 WJR market manager. “The generous donations from our listeners will serve as a beacon of hope to thousands of Metro Detroiters in need, providing a safe place to sleep for the homeless and nutritious meals for the hungry.”
VIDEO:
Feb. 23, 2024 ~ 760 WJR‘s Mitch Albom, Ken Brown, and Guy Gordon, plus legendary Detroit broadcaster Dick Pertan, anchor the final hours of The Salvation Army’s 37th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon.
(CONTINUED) Throughout the day, appearances from special guests encouraged the community to donate and help those who are hungry and homeless in Metro Detroit. Michigan native Tim Allen and NFL legend Lomas Brown also joined business and civic leaders to show their support of The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. Generous Radiothon contributions included:
- Radiothon hosted by 760 WJR
- The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit Advisory Board – $78,565
- The Artichoke Garlic Foundation – $75,000
- Moran Automotive – $37,000
- The Dick & Gail Purtan Family Foundation – $37,000
- Edsel B. Ford II – $35,000
- Tim Allen – $25,000
- Fifth Third Bank – $20,000
- Genthe Automotive – $15,000
- The Salvation Army Phone Bank Powered by BullsEye Lingo
- Pat Milliken Ford – $10,000
- Plunkett Cooney – $5,175
- Emagine Theaters – $5,000
- Northridge Church in Plymouth – $5,000
- National Food Group – $5,000
SOCIAL MEDIA:
(CONTINUED) “The support of the Metro Detroit community has been remarkable; every dollar donated this Radiothon will provide the homeless with a warm place to sleep and the hungry with nutritious meals. Together, we are delivering hope to the most vulnerable,” said Major Toni Dorrell Metro Detroit area commander of The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. “The Salvation Army would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to 760 WJR for hosting the Radiothon since 2011; their support has helped us fulfill our mission of Doing the Most Good.”
The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has raised more than $44.8 million in 37 years. For more information, visit SAMetroDetroit.org.
About The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Program:
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Bed & Bread Program serves more than 4,600 meals each day to men, women, and children who would otherwise go without. That’s nearly 1.7 million meals every year. In addition, the Bed & Bread Program provides nearly 52,000 nights of shelter annually. Hats, gloves, socks, personal supplies and blankets are often distributed, along with the meals.
The Bed & Bread Program is unique in that it serves many people via mobile soup kitchens. The Bed & Bread trucks are on the streets of Detroit 365 days a year making designated stops throughout the day.
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