26th Anniversary WIBC Radiothon
The WIBC Radiothon is back and preparing to raise funds in support of The Salvation Army during a 36-hour live broadcast from Sullivan Hardware and Garden at 6955 N. Keystone Avenue on Indy's north side. The goal is to raise $275,000 to help 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 Jersey Johnny. FasTrack Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is back as the title sponsor in 2020 with additional support from phone bank sponsor McFarling Foods and the Smith Family, which is sponsoring the official WIBC Radiothon toteboard. Follow along live at toteboard.wibcradiothon.com/toteboard. For a complete list of sponsors, visit wibc.com/radiothon. The WIBC Radiothon kicks off at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, December 11 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 Garden in a Christmas spirit. "Radiothon started as nice feel-good event, but now it has become something that The Salvation Army depends on year after year to help," said Mel McMahon, Executive Producer of the WIBC Radiothon. Mel has been a part of the event since 2006 and has seen first-hand the impact this fundraiser has on The Salvation Army's ability to serve the community. "Over the last 25 years WIBC listeners, corporate partners, and private donors have raised nearly $4 million for Hoosiers in need," she added. "Last year we raised just over $316,000 in 36 hours. I'm looking froward to setting another record this year for the 26th Anniversary." Here's how the public can help:
The WIBC Radiothon helps to fund Salvation Army programs year-round in Central Indiana. This includes community centers in Fountain Square and Pike Township, an addiction treatment center on the west side, emergency financial and food assistance in Indianapolis and the donut counties, and a homeless shelter for women and children in downtown Indy. 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. This response to the COVID-19 pandemic has included the distribution of thousands of food boxes, rent and utility assistance, and emotional and spiritual care for those severely affected by the pandemic. Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the 26th Anniversary WIBC Radiothon provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Central Indiana. Visit our Rescue Christmas page to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
Check out photos from the 2019 WIBC Radiothon on Flickr HERE to see what this festive holiday tradition looks like. New safety measures will be in place for the 2020 production, including PPE on all bell ringer, plexiglass panels for volunteers and the on-air team, and smaller musical acts on Saturday to allow for social distancing.
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