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Released 27 February 2009
16-Hour Radiothon raises much-needed funds for the homeless and hungry
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., – The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit, Oldies 104.3 WOMC, Dick Purtan and Purtan’s People joined forces for the annual Dick Purtan Radiothon on Friday, Feb. 27 live from Oakland Mall. The 16-hour event raised $2,262,931 to benefit The Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Program. Over the past 22 years, Oldies 104.3, Dick Purtan and Purtan’s People have raised nearly $22 million for The Salvation Army through the Radiothon.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of kindness and support metro Detroit has shown the Dick Purtan Radiothon and, in turn, The Salvation Army over the last 22 years,” said Lt. Colonel Norman Marshall, divisional commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “The need is great and growing in our community. The funds raised will help us to provide daily bread for those who are hungry and a place to sleep for those without shelter.”
The Bed and Bread program brings food, shelter and services to destitute people within our community, providing them with their basic needs and assisting them to get back on their feet. Through Salvation Army facilities and off the Bed & Bread trucks, almost 5,000 meals are served each day to children, adults and seniors. Three hundred and sixty-five days of the year Bed & Bread trucks make stops in metro Detroit’s most depressed areas. In addition, the Bed & Bread program shelters 570 men, women and children each night. The need this year has been greater than ever with Michigan’s economic state and with recent bitter cold temperatures.
“This has been a tremendously tough year for metro Detroiters,” said Dick Purtan. “Our current economic condition has forced such an urgent need for people to get the simple things such as food and shelter. With The Salvation Army Bed and Bread Club, we have an opportunity to do the most good by directly providing food and shelter to the neediest of our friends and neighbors.”
Donations to The Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club program can still be made by calling 248-307-1043 or by visiting: www.salmich.org.