The fourteenth annual Bears in the Air program landed at South Bend International Airport when community stakeholders donate the first bears to the program at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the “Bear Den” located in the atrium of the airport, while a full event will occur 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Photos by South Bend International Airport.

News Release

SOUTH BEND — The fourteenth yearly Bears in the Air program landed at South Bend International Airport when community stakeholders donate the first bears to the program at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the “Bear Den” located in the atrium of the airport.

St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage was joined by South Bend Mayor James Mueller, St. Joseph County Commissioner Rafael Morton, Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center Resident Garey Hendrix, and South Bend Chocolate Company Director of Operations Kristina Tressler.

Bears in the Air will officially kick-off in the terminal at SBN 6 p.m Friday, Dec. 5. The event is open to anyone 21 years of age or older. The $35 per person entry fee will provide a teddy bear to a child in an area hospital and assistance to the Veterans at the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center. Guests will enjoy small plates, one free drink from the cash bar, music, and door prizes including airline tickets from Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Anyone unable to attend the event is encouraged to donate to the program through Saturday, Dec. 13 at https://givegrove.com/bearsintheair2025/.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone into the airport for an evening of fun and giving back,” said SBN’s CEO and Executive Director Mike Daigle. “In the past thirteen years, our generous community has provided nearly 22,500 teddy bears to children in area hospitals and $106,600 to the Veteran’s Center in downtown South Bend.”