29th Anniversary WIBC Radiothon
For 29 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.
The live broadcast will be hosted by popular 93.1 WIBC on-air personalities, including Pat Sullivan, Denny Smith, Terri Stacy, Matt Bair, Ryan Hedrick, Jason Hammer, Nigel Laskowski, Rob Kendall, and Casey Daniels. WIBC Radiothon Executive Producer Mel McMahon is back and will join hosts on air throughout the entire broadcast.
As inflation creates additional challenges for struggling families, The Salvation Army has seen an increase in requests for assistance. A new goal has been set to raise $415,000 to continue funding vital programs in Central Indiana that help families, individuals, and children in need.
"The Radiothon serves a couple of purposes for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana," said Major Rachel Stouder, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. "Of obvious importance is its capacity as a fundraiser. Of greater importance to me, however, is the opportunity to spread far and wide more information and stories about our mission, how to receive support, and how to get involved. It’s my great hope that we will not only raise funds, but friends, too."
Bee Window is returning as the 2023 WIBC Radiothon title sponsor. Additional support comes from the Smith Family, which is sponsoring the official WIBC Radiothon toteboard, and phone bank sponsor Peterman Brothers Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical. Follow along live at toteboard2023.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 8 and wraps up at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. 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. Shoppers are invited to stop by the Planned Investment Stage to watch groups like the Basement Brass and Carmel Middle School Choir perform.
"I’ve always been drawn to community-building opportunities, and this event is an excellent one!" added Major Rachel. "I spend most of the event saying 'thank you' to callers, to sponsors, to on-air hosts, to people who have stopped to tell their own Salvation Army stories, to God for His generosity through others, all the while smiling like a fool until my cheekbones hurt… It’s truly an amazing event!"
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 24-365 to get a link to the online donation form
Call the Smith Family Phone Bank at 1-833-855-9393 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 community centers in the heart of Fountain Square and near Eagle Creek on North High School Road, addiction treatment programs at its 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 emergency financial assistance and case management.
Last year The Salvation Army of Central Indiana provided rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to over 73,000 households. An additional 186,000 meals and 28,000 Christmas gifts for children were provided in the Indy metro area.
Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the 29th Anniversary WIBC Radiothon provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Central Indiana. Visit SACentralIndiana.org to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army ensure that we can Love Beyond Christmas and continue to help those in need in 2024.