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Thursday, 4 February, 2010 5:31 PM

WWJ and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) asks metro Detroiters to help keep their neighbors safe and warm

7th Annual Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW sets goal of $700,000

Graphic credit: www.thawfund.org The THAW radiothon begins on Friday, Feb. 5 at 5:00 a.m.

DETROIT – Many people think nothing of turning the thermostat in their homes up a degree or two as Michigan’s blustery winter sets in. Unfortunately, given the desperate economic times facing our community there is an alarming number of families who cannot even afford to heat their homes. To help provide a lifeline to families facing just such a crisis, WWJ Newsradio 950 and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) are partnering for the seventh annual Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW.

The Winter Survival Radiothon will broadcast live from the ballroom at MGM Grand Detroit beginning at 5 a.m. on Feb. 5, and will air continuously for 31 hours until 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. MGM Grand Detroit has generously donated the space for the Radiothon.

“Because WWJ is an all news station, everyday we’re confronted with the stories of real people, facing real issues like not being able to provide a safe, warm home for their families because they’ve lost their job or become suddenly ill,” said Georgeann Herbert, director of programming for WWJ Newsradio 950. “The Winter Survival Radiothon is WWJ’s way of making a difference in our community – a community that so desperately needs our help right now.”

The need for emergency energy assistance is greater than ever. In fact, THAW has seen the demand for its assistance rise dramatically in the five years. In 2005, THAW provided approximately $6 million in energy assistance. However, in 2008 that assistance level rose to more than $14 million.

Because of the increased need, this year’s Winter Survival Radiothon goal is $700,000. DTE Energy Corporation will also match all Radiothon contributions dollar for dollar in energy assistance for families facing utility shut-off.

In 2009, more than 4,300 WWJ listeners contributed more than $535,000 to the Winter Survival Radiothon, which when matched by DTE Energy credits totaled approximately $1.3 million for energy assistance.

An exciting new feature added to this year’s Radiothon is the “Dancing Feet for Heat” dance party. From 7- 8:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, instructors from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bloomfield Hills will teach group ballroom dance lessons in the MGM Grand Detroit ballroom where the Winter Survival Radiothon will be held. A minimum donation of $30 not only gets you all the lessons, but also a two-hour post-lesson dance party where you can showcase your new moves and enjoy an open bar and ballroom dance music of all varieties.

The post-lesson dance party is open to the public from 8:30 – 10:30 pm. For a donation of just $15, anyone interested can burn up the dance floor for a good cause, or just watch the action and enjoy the cash bar.

“Dancing Feet for Heat” is not only a celebration of the ballroom dancing craze sweeping across the United States, it’s also a nod to WWJ’s 90th anniversary, as they were America’s first radio station and the first radio station to provide the music for the very first dance party on record in the United States.

This year’s Winter Survival Radiothon has something exciting for everyone, including:

“Due to the economic crisis crippling southeast Michigan, as well as rising home heating costs, the need for THAW’s assistance is not only exceeding our funding levels, it’s outpacing contributions,” said Dianne Bostic Robinson, President, THAW Board of Directors. “However, I’m confident that Radiothon donations made by WWJ’s listeners will really help us stretch our assistance dollars as far as possible this year.”

Back by popular demand is the 950 Club. WWJ listeners interested in helping to keep an entire family warm this winter can donate $250 to become a member of the 950 Club. Members of the 950 club will not only receive a stainless steel thermos in appreciation of their contribution, they will also get the greater gift of knowing they have helped to heat both the home and hearts of a local family and also helped get them back on track.

Low-income households can apply for assistance at more than 100 Community Action Agencies in more than 60 Michigan counties. To find a participating agency, call 2-1-1, 800-866-THAW (8429), or visit www.thawfund.org.

Source: Franco Public Relations

 

Online Auction Hopes to Spark Donations for THAW

Auction proceeds directly support Winter Survival Radiothon

DETROIT – WWJ Newsradio 950 and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) will launch an online auction on Tues., Feb. 2 in conjunction with the Seventh Annual Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW.

To raise donations and help keep families safe and warm this winter, many businesses have generously donated luxury packages to the online auction, which is sponsored by Quicken Loans. Some of the highlights include:

Source: Franco Public Relations