The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit, 104.3 WOMC, Dick Purtan and Purtan’s People joined forces on Friday, February 26th for Dick Purtan’s 23rd annual Radiothon to benefit The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Program. The 16-hour event broadcast live on 104.3 WOMC-FM at Oakland Mall in Troy raised $2,339,440.
The Radiothon was held exactly one month prior to Dick Purtan’s retirement from WOMC. Purtan’s last broadcast will be 3/26.
Over the past 23 years, the Dick Purtan Radiothon has raised $23,613,317 to help The Salvation Army provide food and shelter through the Bed and Bread program. Each day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, nearly 5,000 meals are served to children, adults and seniors. In addition, the Bed and Bread program, on average, shelters 570 men, women and children each night.
The 23rd Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon included a who’s who of special guests and interviews, including Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, comedian and long-time friend Tim Allen, music superstar Bob Seger, many Detroit television news, sports and weather anchors; comedians John Pinette, Rocky LaPorte, Joey Kola, Kathleen Madigan and more. Tim Allen donated $15,000 during the event. Seger also called in a matching donation in the last few hours that garnered $20,000 in donations.
“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.”
