Nearly 15,000 teddy bears — resulting in nearly 15,000 smiles — have been delivered to children at local hospitals over the last ten years because of the Bears in the Air program.
Holiday cheer should be abundant this time of year, but some people have fewer reasons to smile than others. That’s why the Bears in the Air program began more than a decade ago — to bring smiles to the faces of ill and medically fragile children and veterans in our community.
Now, you have the chance to help us make this difference.
Come celebrate South Bend International Airport’s 11th year of Bears in the Air at our kickoff party from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, December 2. The party will take place in the SkyWest hangar located east of the terminal building. Admission to the party is $30 at the door, which provides a new teddy bear for a child in a local hospital and funds to veterans.
Like in the past, teddy bears will be delivered to children at Beacon Children’s Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital, Saint Joseph Health System, Spectrum Health Lakeland, and A Rosie Place for Children to give them comfort in difficult times.
The Bears in the Air program also supports our community’s most vulnerable veterans who served our country and are in need of support. In the first decade of the Bears in the Air program, $76,000 has been provided to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center.
Reserve a table of 10 seats ahead of time for $350. Tables are based on availability and must be reserved by November 18. Make your reservation now by calling Julie Curtis, Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development, at (574) 800-3230.
When you attend our kickoff event, you’ll enjoy light refreshments, cocktails, music, and amazing door prizes, including roundtrip airfare from Delta and United, a $100 giftcard to Cafe Navarre, a gift basket from the South Bend Chocolate Company, a 2023 Black Card for Blackthorn Golf Club, and an overnight stay for two with breakfast at Aloft South Bend plus two tickets to The Drop Comedy Club, and much more!
This event is open to the public for adults aged 21 or older. If you can’t make it to the kickoff party, please consider a donation of a minimum of $30. Donations can be made until December 16. The program has grown due to support from generous donors like you! Thank you for helping us support our community. We know that by attending, you’ll feel joyful this holiday season knowing that you helped a local child and supported local veterans.
Attendees, please park in long-term parking and follow the signs to the hangar. Parking will be validated.
Let us know if we can expect to see you there!
