DETROIT – When colder temperatures arrive, many households face the danger of losing their heat and/or electricity entirely because they cannot afford to pay their utility bills. To help our neighbors in need keep the lights and heat on this winter, WWJ Newsradio 950 has once again teamed up with The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) to produce the 9th Annual Winter Survival Radiothon on January 27-28, 2012.
Recommended Videos
The live broadcast takes place at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn starting at 5:00 am on Friday, January 27th and ending at noon on Saturday, January 28th. The Henry Ford will be open to the public from 9:30 am - 5 pm during the Radiothon.
Since 2004, WWJ's Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW has raised nearly $8 million. Last year, the yearly fundraising event produced $1.3 million in energy assistance. With the need even greater than ever before, organizers expect to meet and exceed last year's Radiothon with this year's goal of $1.6 million in emergency energy assistance funds to be raised through on-air donations, sponsorships, events, online auction and matching funds from DTE Energy.
"The Winter Survival Radiothon is one of THAW's primary sources of community support and helps us provide emergency assistance to Michigan households facing a home energy crisis," said Susan Sherer, THAW CEO. "We are so grateful to WWJ, our sponsors and partners including DTE Energy for making the Radiothon possible and look forward to reaching our goal of $1.6 million to help THAW provide energy assistance to those in need."
Volunteers and supporters from local businesses, schools and community organizations will work the phone banks receiving donations. Appearances from area leaders and personalities from the government, business, entertainment, and sports sectors will be on hand during the Radiothon to encourage donations and offer their support of THAW's mission. In addition, DTE Energy will match certain hourly donations.
"We've heard the heartbreaking stories of families who have gone to great lengths to stay warm in their homes and have reported some tragic outcomes as a result of their desperate efforts," said Debbie Kenyon, Sr. Vice President/Market Manager of CBS Radio Detroit. "WWJ Newsradio 950 understands that heat and electricity are a necessity and we are proud to offer our support to THAW with the Winter Survival Radiothon and help them assist our vulnerable neighbors keep the heat and lights on this winter."