The 14th annual Bears in the Air campaign will launch at South Bend International Airport, beginning with the first official teddy bear donations at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the airport’s atrium “Bear Den.”
St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage will be 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 for the kickoff ceremony.
The main celebration will follow on Friday, Dec. 5, when the program’s official kickoff event begins at 6 p.m. inside the terminal. The event is open to adults 21 and older. Admission is $35 and includes the donation of a teddy bear to a child hospitalized in the region and support for veterans served by the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center.
Guests will receive small plates, one complimentary drink, music, and chances to win prizes, including airline tickets from Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Those unable to attend can contribute online through 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 CEO and Executive Director Mike Daigle. “In the past 13 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.”
