The Salvation Army’s 35th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon Raises More Than $1.74 Million to Help the Hungry and Homeless

Feb 25, 2022

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., (Feb. 28, 2022)The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s 35th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon raised $1,742,023 to combat hunger and homelessness.

The 27-hour radio fundraiser, held on Feb. 24 and 25, aired on 760 WJR with its on-air personalities Paul W. Smith, Sean Baligian, Kevin Dietz, Lloyd Jackson, Chris Renwick, Mitch Albom, Ken Brown, Steve Courtney, Kevin O’Neill and Guy Gordon broadcasting from The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Divisional Headquarters in Southfield.

“Partnering with The Salvation Army as the Radiothon host has been an honorable cause these last 12 years,” said Steve Finateri, vice president/market manager of 760 WJR. “It’s truly the support from our generous audience that makes this partnership so successful in the fight against hunger and homelessness in metro Detroit.”

Throughout the day, appearances from special guests including The Salvation Army Commissioner Brad Bailey, Salvation Army Metro Detroit and National Advisory Board member Jim Vella, and Bed & Bread Club founder and Detroit radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan encouraged the community to donate and help those who are hungry and homeless in metro Detroit. Michigan natives Tim Allen, Nicole Curtis, J.K. Simmons and Herman Moore also joined business and civic leaders to show their support of The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. Generous contributions throughout the day included:

  • Artichoke Garlic Foundation - $75,000

  • BullsEye Telecom – provided in-kind services

  • Dick & Gail Purtan Family Foundation - $50,000

  • Dick Genthe Chevrolet - $14,035

  • Edsel B. Ford II - $35,000

  • Ford Motor Company Fund - $250,000

  • Jim Vella and the Vella Family – $12,000

  • Meridian - $55,000

  • Pat Moran Chevrolet - $35,000

  • Pat Milliken Ford - $10,000

  • The Salvation Army Metro Detroit Advisory Board - $52,240

  • Tim Allen Foundation - $25,000

  • Toyota Motor North America - $15,000

  • Vibe Credit Union - $15,000

“It’s the generosity from our donors that makes it possible for The Salvation Army to serve those in need at such a large scale. We are so lucky to have a partner like 760 WJR and generous contributors that make the services we provide the community possible,” said Lt. Col. John Turner, divisional commander and regional CEO for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “All the funds raised through the 35th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon will allow us to continue providing food, shelter and hope in His name.”

Those who may have missed the chance to donate to the Radiothon can support the program through an online auction at www.RadiothonAuction.org. Individuals can bid on unique experiential auction items now through 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28:

    • A Tigers Game with J.K. Simmons (Value: Priceless)

      • Highest bidder will attend a Detroit Tigers game with J.K. the next time he’s in Detroit

      • Bidding starts at $150

    • A Night at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle (Value: $800)

      • You and 49 of your closest friends will attend a Thursday night of comedy

      • Bidding starts at $350

    • Pistons vs. Clippers tickets (Value: $200)

      • Pair of tickets (2) for March 13 game

      • Bidding starts at $100

    • Signed Red Wings’ Pavel Datsyuk jersey and assorted signed pucks package (Value: $1,000)

      • Bidding starts at $350

    • Tigers vs. White Sox tickets (Value: $100)

      • Pair of tickets (2) for April 22 game

      • Bidding starts at $50

    • Cooking class with The Salvation Army’s Chef Michael Block (Value: $50)

      • Bidding starts at $50

    • Russel Brothers City Tour (Value: $900)

      • Bidding starts at $300

      • Interactive Detroit city tour

    • 30-minute Meet & Greet/House Consultation from HGTV’s Nicole Curtis (Value: Priceless)

      • Bidding starts at $100

      • Home design advice from HGTV’s home rehabber

    • Buddy’s Pizza for a Year (Value $250)

      • Bidding starts at $100

      • One 8-square, two-topping pizza a month for 12 months

    • Huron Belle Cruise (Value: $1,000)

      • Bidding starts at $300

      • Four tickets for a cruise on Lake Huron

    • Autographed photo of Ted Lindsay and Steve Yzerman (Value: $250)

      • Bidding starts at $75

Supporters can also make a monetary contribution to the Radiothon by:

  • Visiting salmich.org

  • Calling 833-SAL-HOPE

  • Texting BREAD to 24365

The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has raised more than $41.3 million in 35 years.

About The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Program
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s Bed & Bread program serves more nearly 4,400 meals each day to men, women and children who would otherwise go without. That’s nearly 1.6 million meals every year. In addition, the Bed & Bread program provides more than 77,000 nights of shelter annually.

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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