News Release

SOUTH BEND — South Bend International Airport will host a kick-off event for the 13th annual “Bears in the Air” charity program 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 in the main terminal.

Admission to the cocktail-style party is $35 per person at the door. The event is open to the public for adults 21+. Parking in the long-term parking lot will be validated. There will be small bites, cocktails, music and fabulous door prizes to win.

This event brings the community together to have a great time for an even greater cause. The kick-off party helps raise funds to purchase brand new teddy bears for children in area hospitals. These bears bring joy and comfort during a difficult time.

Bears in the Air also supports our community’s most vulnerable Veterans who have served our wonderful country and are now in need of our support. Along with the bears, the funds raised provide financial assistance to the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center. Since the program’s launch, $96,600 has been provided in financial assistance to the center.

In the program’s first twelve years, nearly 20,000 new teddy bears have been delivered to children in local hospitals including Beacon Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital and Saint Joseph Health System.  The more donations collected, the more smiles we can create for both children and Veterans alike.

If you cannot make it to the kick-off party but are able to contribute, donations can be made until Sunday, Dec. 15. It is because of supporters like you that the program has continued to grow.