Bears in the Air
Bears in the Air is our annual program that was established as a way for the community to come together and make a positive difference. Its overarching purpose is to provide support to children and Veterans in our community who could use a little extra help or a reason to smile. Each year, funds are raised to provide newly purchased teddy bears to children in area hospitals. The bears provide joy and comfort to the children when there is little reason to smile. The program also supports our community’s most vulnerable Veterans who have served our great country and are now in need of our support. In addition to the bears, the funds also provide financial assistance to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center in South Bend.
Funds are raised through donations and entry fees to the kick-off party that takes place at SBN each year on the first Friday following black Friday. To date, more than 17,000 new teddy bears have been delivered to children in area hospitals including A Rosie Place for Children, Beacon Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital, and Saint Joseph Health System. Additionally, $86,600 has been raised for the Veterans and donated to the Veteran’s Center.
Interested in making a difference by attending the kick-off party or contributing a monetary donation? Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information regarding the program, party, and ways you can get involved.