DETROIT — The Heat And Warmth Fund has teamed up with WWJ Newsradio 950 to produce the 12th Annual Winter Survival Radiothon on Feb. 6.
The 14-hour radiothon takes place at WWJ Newsradio 950’s studio in Southfield and aims to raise $1 million in emergency energy assistance funding for struggling Michigan families.
Since 2004, WWJ’s Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW has raised nearly $11 million dollars in cash and utility match, and since its inception in 1985, THAW has provided $145 million in emergency energy assistance to more than 200,000 Michigan households. Organizers expect to reach the radiothon goal of raising $1 million through call-in donations, sponsorships, events, online auction, and dollar-for-dollar matching funds from DTE Energy and various local businesses.
“The WWJ Winter Survival Radiothon is THAW’s primary source of community support and it allows us to provide energy assistance to thousands of families in desperate need,” says Saunteel Jenkins, THAW CEO. “Many of the families we assist have young children and senior citizens living in the home and these populations are especially vulnerable to the cold.”
Gov. Rick Snyder has declared February as “Keep Michigan Warm Month.” The proclamation recognizes the 1.2 million households in the state that are eligible for heating assistance and the challenges faced by low-income families and individuals in meeting home energy needs.
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.
Donations may be made by calling the Winter Survival Radiothon Hotline at 888-579-4950 or online at either thawfund.org or cbsdetroit.com.
