South Bend, IN. – The fourth annual Bears in the Air kickoff party takes place at South Bend International Airport (SBN) on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public. Admission is one newly purchased teddy bear or a $10 donation. A teddy bear will be delivered to children in local hospitals to offer companionship and smiles during a difficult time, and the money collected will be donated directly to the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center.
The approximately 300 expected attendees will mingle inside the terminal enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres, one complimentary beverage from the cash bar, and will be entered into a drawing for door prizes from local businesses to include dinner certificates, overnight hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, golf and more. Roundtrip airfare certificates from Allegiant, Delta and United complete the door prize offerings.
For those unable to attend the party, a “Bear Den” inside the terminal has been created to collect newly purchased teddy bears through December 21, 2015. Travelers along with the general public are invited to donate a newly purchased teddy bear. Teddy bears are available for purchase in the airport’s gift shop.
“One of the great things Bears in the Air does is make the community we call home a better place by helping one person at at time,” said Mike Daigle, SBN Executive Director. “Not only are our youngest in need comforted, but those who have generously served our country are greatly impacted as a result of this program.”
The program has generated nearly 2300 teddy bears that have been donated to children in area hospitals and $16,000 to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center in downtown South Bend. This year’s goal is to collect 1200 bears which will bring an increased monetary donation to the Veteran’s Center as well.
About the South Bend International Airport
South Bend International Airport’s three air carriers provide nonstop flights to ten cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York City/Newark, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg with connections world-wide. South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over one million air, rail and bus passengers each year. According to the 2012 Economic Impact Report from the Aviation Authority of Indiana, South Bend International’s total annual economic impact on South Bend and surrounding communities was in excess of $1.7 billion.
For additional information, please refer to www.FlySBN.com or get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Twitter (@SBNairport) or Instagram (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the Michiana region.
