We are excite to celebrate South Bend International Airport’s TENTH year of Bears in the Air at our kick-off party from 6-9pm on December 3 in person with you! We will have appropriate health and safety protocols in place in a new spacious location – a hangar located immediately east of the terminal building.

We invite you to gather family, friends, and colleagues, and join us for an evening of celebration while we raise funds to provide newly purchased teddy bears to children in area hospitals. These bears provide smiles and comfort when there is little reason to smile. The Bears in the Air program also supports our community’s most vulnerable veterans who have served our great country and are now in need of our support. Funds raised also provide financial assistance to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center. The more donations collected, the more smiles we can create for both children and veterans alike.

Admission to the party is $25 per person at the door which will provide a bear to a child in area hospitals, including Elkhart General Hospital, Spectrum Health Lakeland, Memorial Children’s Hospital, and the Saint Joseph Health System and funds to veterans. Or reserve a table of 10 seats in advance for $300. Tables are based on availability by November 19. To reserve your table, call Julie Curtis at (574) 282-4590 ext. 230.

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, cocktails, music, and fabulous door prizes including certificates for airfare from American and United Air Lines. We promise a fun evening leaving you with a joy in your heart knowing you have helped a child and honored our veterans.

The event is open to the public for adults 21+. For anyone who cannot make the kickoff party, donations can be made until December 17 at https://givegrove.com/bearsintheair2021/

Please park in long-term parking and follow the signs to the hangar. Parking will be validated.