WJR/Detroit Joins The Salvation Army to Raise Nearly $1.9M

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, February 28, 2023

WJR-AM/Detroit

News/Talk WJR-AM/Detroit has raised $1.8 million to help The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit combat hunger and homelessness through the 36th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon on Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24. The 27-hour radio fundraiser, organized by Cumulus Detroit Director, Media Integration Ron Smerigan, aired on WJR and featured air personalities Paul W. Smith, Sean Baligian, Marie Osborne, Tom Jordan, Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, Mitch Albom, Ken Brown, Steve Courtney, Guy Gordon and Bed & Bread Club founder Dick Purtan.

The Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has raised a total of more than $43.1 Million over the life of the radiothon. The Bed & Bread trucks bring meals to more than 3,500 Detroiters each day and all money raised during the Radiothon will go toward that mission.

The Radiothon also featured appearances from special guests who encouraged the community to donate and help those who are hungry and homeless in metro Detroit. Michigan natives Tim Allen and Terry Crews also joined business and civic leaders to show their support of The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit.

Cumulus Detroit Vice President/Market Manager Steve Finateri said, "It has been an honor to participate in The Salvation Army's annual Radiothon for the past 13 years and support the nonprofit's mission of feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. We are grateful for the generous donations from our listeners and supporters, who make it possible for us to continue helping those in need."

Lt. Col. John Turner, divisional commander and regional CEO for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division, commented, "The Metro Detroit community's support has been remarkable; their generous donations and support have touched the lives of thousands of people in need. We are blessed to have such a wonderful community. The Salvation Army would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to WJR for hosting the Radiothon for the past 13 years. Their support has helped us fulfill our mission of doing the most good."