27th Anniversary WIBC Radiothon
For 27 years, the WIBC Radiothon has been a holiday tradition in Indianapolis. The Salvation Army's largest annual fundraising event of the year is back this Friday and Saturday with a record goal and big plans for the 36-hour live broadcast from Sullivan Hardware and Gardens at 6955 N. Keystone Avenue. In response to increased need in the community, a new goal has been set to raise $375,000 to fund vital programs in Central Indiana that help families, individuals, and children in need.
The live broadcast will be hosted by popular 93.1 WIBC on-air personalities, including Pat Sullivan, Denny Smith, Tony Katz, Terri Stacy, Jason Hammer, Nigel Laskowski, Miriam Weaver, Rob Kendall, and Matt Behr. WIBC Radiothon Executive Producer Mel McMahon is back and will join hosts on air throughout the entire broadcast.
"The station is proud to partner with our listeners and sponsors to raise money year after year, while we witness the results of money raised locally impacting our community," said David Wood, VP/Programming for Emmis Communications. "We see women protected, children clothed, and the hungry fed. We are happy to once again work with The Salvation Army Indiana Division because they truly are 'doing the most good!'"
Bee Window is joining the fundraising event as its 2021 title sponsor. Additional support comes from hourly sponsors, phone bank sponsor SwainCo. Crawl Space and Basement Repair, and the Smith Family, which is sponsoring the official WIBC Radiothon toteboard. Follow along live at toteboard2021.wibcradiothon.com. For a complete list of sponsors, visit wibc.com/radiothon.
The WIBC Radiothon kicks off at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, December 10 and wraps up at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Throughout the live broadcast, listeners will get to hear from the people closest to The Salvation Army's services in Central Indiana, including staff, pastors, clients, volunteers, and donors to the organization. Live music will also play a big part in the broadcast on Saturday as local performers help to put listeners and shoppers at Sullivan Hardware and Gardens in a Christmas spirit.
"We are so thankful for our long relationship with WIBC and Sullivan Hardware for this annual event," shared Major Marc Johnson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. "Sullivan Hardware graciously provides a festive location where listeners can come and see the WIBC Radiothon in action! Of, course, this event could not be successful without the generous support of the listeners who call in and donate. We are thankful for each donation, and appreciate your support as we seek to meet the needs of Hoosiers."
Here's how the public can help:
Donate online at WIBCRadiothon.com. Make a one-time donation of any amount or choose to become a sustaining donor by making a "25 by 12" - $25 each month for the next 12 months (total donation amount is $300)
Text HOOSIER to 24365 to get a link to the online donation form
Call the Smith Family Phone Bank at 1-877-717-3223 during the live broadcast
Make your donation in person by stopping by Sullivan Hardware and Gardens during normal operating hours
Share on social media using the hashtag #WIBCRadiothon
The WIBC Radiothon helps to fund Salvation Army programs year-round in Central Indiana. This includes activities for all ages at our Eagle Creek community center and at our sister location in the heart of Fountain Square, addiction treatment programs at the Harbor Light Center on North Tibbs Avenue, and 24/7 secure housing at a downtown shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness. Additional support services are offered in donut counties, including a food pantry, emergency financial assistance, and case management.
In addition to regular services and programs, The Salvation Army has been responding to the increased need in the community as local residents face job loss, reduction of hours, virtual learning challenges, and hunger in their homes. Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army of Central Indiana has provided almost half a million dollars in financial assistance to struggling households. An additional 269,000 meals and 45,000 safe nights of shelter have been provided in the Indy metro area.