Today we bring you probably the most important Podcast we’ve done so far. Why? Because it’s about one of the most important events to happen in this city all year. I’m talking about the 25th Annual Salvation Army Bed and Bread Club Radiothon that takes place next Friday, February 24th.
This year, I’ll be dusting off my headphones and sitting down behind the mic, live from the Oakland Mall, from 6am to 10pm - along with the guys from WJR and “Purtan’s People”. Please note that the broadcast will be heard on 760 WJR.
Those of you who know me, know that I have a passion for the Radiothon because of what it does: Raise money for the Bed & Bread club that feeds 5000 men, women and children, in Metro-Detroit’s most depressed neighborhoods, 365 days a year.
Since I began the Radiothon 25 years ago, we (and that means so very many of you - my generous listeners) have raised over $25 million dollars to support this incredible program. It has become the biggest one-day/single-station Radiothon in the country. Everyday, the Salvation Army Bed & Bread trucks head out to the streets of the most impovershed areas of our community - providing a nutritious meal for people who quite likely would otherwise go hungry.
And the Radiothon - all 16 hours of it - is THE FUNDRAISER for the program.
EVERY PENNY YOU DONATE GOES RIGHT TO THE STREET. Not a single cent is spent on administrative costs. And talk about bang for your buck! A donation of $120 (which earns you membership in the “Bed & Bread Club” will feed one person FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR! $240 will feed two people, everyday for a full 365 days and get you a very special - and useful - commemorative gift!
Yours Truly and WJR’s Paul W. Smith out on one of 4 Bed & Bread trucks! I can’t tell you how proud I am to once again be an on-air part of this event. But to remind you again, this year, the Radiothon will be broadcast on 760 WJR. I’ll say it again… 760 WJR. I’d like to ask a favor and encourage you to spread the word on Facebook, Twitter or even through an old-fashioned conversation around the office water cooler. (Do they have those anymore?)
I hope you’ll tune in… and more importantly donate any amount you can. I know times are tough… and any donation - big or small - will be appreciated more than you know.
You can even donate now by going to WJR.com or by calling 248-528-0760
And now, to give you a real feel for the people behind this life-saving program and the thousands of men, women and children whose lives will be so dramatically changed by your donation, I welcome Dale Johnson of the Salvation Army to the Podcast. He’s been my right hand man for 20 of the 25 years I’ve done the Radiothon. Nobody expresses what the “Bed & Bread Club” is all about better than Dale.
Podcast #30: Pre- 25th Annual Salvation Army Bed & Bread Club Radiothon! (21:09)