2025 Salvation Army Bed & Breakfast Radiothon Raises more than $1.2 Million
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit held its 38th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon in February, raising $1.2 million to help feed the hungry and homeless. Longtime partner News/Talk WJR-AM broadcast the event, which kicked off February 27 with pre-taped segments, before going live at 5 a.m. for 14 hours from Ford’s Garage in Dearborn.
The Bed & Bread Program, which is partially funded by the Radiothon, provides nearly 3,800 meals daily, while also providing more than 160 nights of shelter, 365 days a year. “Our Bed & Bread Club truck drivers make their way through Detroit, traveling multiple routes and making stops to feed the hungry,” said Great Lakes Divisional Commander, Lt. Colonel Steven Merritt. “That includes holidays and days when the weather may prove dangerous, because we understand that hunger doesn't take any days off.”
Major Andrew Shiels on air during Radiothon
Major Charlotte Koehler on air during Radiothon
Representatives from The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division joined WJR hosts on the air to share insights about those helped. “When people come up to the truck and ask for food, they are also asking for hope, for help and for love. We are so blessed to do God’s work,” Koehler said. “If you’ve ever been on a truck, believe me, it’s not an experience you forget.”
“Nobody struggles by choice,” said Major Andrew Shiels, Associate General Secretary of The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. “Funds raised during Radiothon allow The Salvation Army to provide nourishing meals to the hungry and safe shelter to the homeless.”
Started by former Detroit media personality and Detroit Radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan in 1988, the Bed & Bread program has now raised a total of more than $46 million. Funds raised this year, included more than $300,000 in corporate donations from those including the Artichoke Garlic Foundation, Ford’s Garage, Meridian Bank, Moran Automotive, the Dick & Gail Purtan Family Foundation, Edsel B. Ford II, Michigan native Tim Allen, Fifth Third Bank, National Food Group and Pat Milliken Ford.