South Bend, IN. – The sixth annual Bears in the Air kickoff party takes place at South Bend International Airport (SBN) on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public for those 21 years of age and up. Admission is $15 per person. The admission fee will provide a teddy bear to children in area hospitals to offer companionship and smiles during a difficult time while also providing funds to veterans at the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center.
Over 400 expected attendees will mingle inside the terminal enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres and one complimentary beverage from the cash bar. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for door prizes from local businesses. Door prize offerings include, two $200 travel vouchers from Allegiant Travel Company, Blackthorn Golf Club Blackthorn Card, Bonefish Grill and Cinco 5 gift certificates, roundtrip airfare for two from Delta Air Lines, Four Winds Casino Resort gift card, Granite City Food and Brewery gift basket, a round of golf with a cart at Harbor Shores Golf Club, overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn South Bend and breakfast at Bistro 933, overnight stay at the Inn at Harbor Shores and breakfast at Plank’s Tavern on the Water, overnight stay at the Inn at Saint Mary’s, overnight stay at Morris Inn, Notre Dame basketball and hockey tickets, Notre Dame gear, overnight stay at Oliver Inn, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse wine gift basket, tickets to South Bend Civic Theatre’s production of A Christmas Story, an outdoor suite at a South Bend Cubs game, South Bend Symphony Orchestra tickets, four roundtrip tickets from South Shore Line, roundtrip airfare for two from United Airlines, and a round of golf with a cart at Whittaker Woods Golf Club.
“I am confident that the generosity of our donors will make our sixth year the best yet,” said Mike Daigle, SBN Executive Director. “Bears in the Air brings our community closer together. Collectively, we not only bring a sense of comfort to the youth but also impact the lives of those who have graciously served our country.”
For those unable to attend the party, a “Bear Den” inside the terminal has been created to collect newly purchased teddy bears through December 18, 2017. Travelers along with the general public are invited to donate a newly purchased teddy bear. Teddy bears are also available for purchase in the airport’s gift shop.
The program has provided over 5000 teddy bears to children in area hospitals and $29,000 to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center in downtown South Bend. This year’s goal is to provide 1750 bears and also an increased monetary donation to the Veteran’s Center.
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/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.
