The way our community responds to Dick Purtan's annual radiothon continues to amaze me. Although this year's effort didn't break the record set one year ago, it was still a huge success when you consider the economic conditions in Michigan. Once again this year, Janet and I were at Oakland Mall to watch the final push to raise money and to applaud the great effort that does so much to help those that need it most. A standing-room only crowd hung around the mall after closing time to watch and be part of what truly is a lovefest between the hardworking people from WOMC and those that contribute. If you ever want to feel positive energy, I recommend checking out one of these events in person.
The residents in this area take great pride in being known as one of the most generous communities anywhere, and the outpouring of financial support that is shown for Purtan and the Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Club is probably the best example of this community taking care of each another. This one-day fundraiser brings in more money than any other single-day radiothon in the country, putting efforts in much larger cities to shame. It really is something to crow about.
While there is some disappointment that the annual goal of raising just $1 more than the total from the previous year was missed, in a way falling short adds a bit of reality to what's truly been an amazing run of increased donations and visibility each year. I bet that they'll take what happened this year and work that much harder and smarter for the 22nd annual event next February so that the '09 effort gets back to breaking records.
I congratulate Dick Purtan and Purtan's People for another job well done and for proving that done right, radio is still a power to be reckoned with and a great way to connect the community.
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