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Released 26 February 2010
Purtan Leaves Lasting Mark on The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Program
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit, 104.3 WOMC, Dick Purtan and Purtan’s People joined forces today for the final Radiothon to benefit The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Program before Purtan's retirement from radio. The 16-hour event which broadcast live on 104.3 WOMC-FM at Oakland Mall in Troy raised $2,339,440.
Over the past 23 years, the Dick Purtan Radiothon has raised $23,613,317 to help The Salvation Army provide food and shelter through this critical program.
“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 23 years,” said Major John Turner, general secretary for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “The need in our community is great and continues to grow. The funds raised by this Radiothon help us to provide daily bread for the hungry and a place to sleep for those without shelter.”
Turner continued, "The success of this year's Radiothon is truly a tribute to Dick Purtan’s legacy of commitment and compassion."
The 23rd annual Radiothon was broadcast live from Oakland Mall in Troy. Hourly guest callers included several celebrities who encouraged listeners to donate, such as Tim Allen, Bob Seger and Kathleen Madigan.
Tim Allen pledged a $15,000 donation. Bob Seger pledged a $20,000 donation.
One highlight of this year's Radiothon came in the 6 p.m. hour, when Ray Nicholson, a philanthropist from North Oakland County whose family is longtime friends with the Purtans, announced a $55,000 matching gift to fund a new Bed & Bread truck in the host's honor, as well as staff and stock it for one year. This caused the phones to ring off the hooks with supporters calling in pledges to ensure that the match was met.
In the 8 p.m. hour, Dick Purtan himself, along with wife Gail, pledged a matching donation of $50,000 to purchase an additional Bed & Bread truck to be named for legends Doc Andrews and Gene Taylor. That hour raised more than $370,000.
Two other exciting donations also capped off the Radiothon’s final hour. At 9 p.m., Richard Genthe of Dick Genthe Chevrolet, who in the mid-1990s was the first businessman to issue a matching challenge during a Purtan Radiothon, issued a final, $10,000 matching challenge to bring his support of Purtan and The Salvation Army's Bed & Bread Program full circle. This caused the phones to ring off the hooks, and the matching $10,000 to be raised by 9:30 p.m.
Then, at 9:30 p.m., Garden Fresh Gourmet Founder Jack Aronson presented Purtan with a donation of $100,000, which included profits from the sale of the company’s Purtan’s Special Mango Peach Salsa. Jack Aronson and wife Annette also pledged a personal $20,000 matching donation.
“I’m overwhelmed by the enormous show of support we’ve seen not only in 2010, but throughout the 23 years of my Radiothon,” said Dick Purtan. “We’ve faced enormous challenges over the years, and each time metro Detroiters have stepped up to show how much they care for their less fortunate neighbors. You will never know how much your kindness is appreciated.”
The Bed & 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 The Salvation Army facilities and off the Bed & Bread trucks, nearly 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, on average, shelters 570 men, women and children each night.
Donations to The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club program calling 248-307-1043, clicking on www.salmich.org or sending a check to The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Club at 16130 Northland Drive, Southfield, MI 48075.
Founded by William Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. In 2008, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing more than 3 million meals and 776,973 nights of shelter for the homeless. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.