The 69th Annual WHAS Crusade for Children came to a close at 7:00pm EDT on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
After the traditional conclusion as firefighters, volunteers and Crusaders sang “God Bless America,” the final tote board was revealed: $5,133,684.69
(WHAS11.com) From buying accessible equipment to running camps, the WHAS Crusade for Children helps millions of kids across Kentucky and Indiana.
With contributions from the Kentuckiana community, the Crusade has raised $5,133,684.69 during the two-day event.
Every penny of donations to the Crusade go toward helping children with special needs and the agencies, hospitals and schools that serve those children.
Fire departments across Kentucky and Indiana collect money for the Crusade and make up about 60% of the donations each year.
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District led the way for the Kentucky fire departments with $156,175.94.
The top Indiana fire department was Lafayette Township Fire Department with $92,777.31.
LG&E and KU Foundation led the community organizations with $398,104.00 in contributions.
Press coverage
See more coverage from WHAS11.com, click here.
See more coverage from the Courier-Journal, click here.
Hardin County coverage from The News-Enterprise, click here.
Read about Crusade fundraising in Russell Springs from WJRS-FM, click here.
Corydon coverage from the Corydon Democrat, click here.
Archdiocese of Louisville coverage from The Record, click here.
Grayson County coverage from the Messenger-Inquirer, click here.
Binge watch the Crusade
Crusade Saturday – June 4th
WHAS11 Ballardsville Remote, PRP Remote & Fairdale Remote: click here
WBKO-TV Campbellsville Remote part 1: click here
WBKO-TV Campbellsville Remote part 2: click here
Crusade Sunday – June 5th
WHAS11 Day 2 of the WHAS Crusade for Children: click here
WHAS11 Day 2 of the WHAS Crusade for Children continues part 2: click here
WBNA-TV Elizabethtown Remote, Shelbyville Remote, & Bardstown Remote: click here
WBKO-TV Leitchfield Remote: click here
Photos and more videos
See photos and videos on the Crusade’s Facebook page, click here.
(This story will be updated.)
Watch the magic of the Crusade
Top Kentucky Fire Departments
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District $156,175.94
Fern Creek & Buechel Fire Departments $147,750.89
Zoneton Fire Protection District $118,341.77
Jeffersontown Fire District $111,959.80
Highview Fire District $106,235.85
St. Matthews Fire Protection District $91,058.00
Shelby County Fire & Rescue $86,831.88
Anchorage – Middletown Fire Department $72,541.57
Pewee Valley Fire Protection District $64,644.03
Columbia – Adair Fire Department $52,851.76
Top Indiana Fire Departments
Lafayette Township Fire Department $92,777.31
Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department $72,431.00
Charlestown Vol. Fire Department $57,017.89
Clarksville Fire Department $55,232.00
Ramsey Volunteer Fire & EMS $26,889.29
Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department $25,320.00
Georgetown Township Volunteer Fire Department $23,227.57
Harrison Township / Corydon Volunteer Fire Department $21,802.43
Lanesville Volunteer Fire Department $17,959.85
Jeffersonville Fire Department $15,850.91
Milltown Fire Department $14,300.00
Top Organizations
LG&E and KU Foundation $398,104.00
Archdiocese of Louisville $211,558.00
Norton Healthcare Employees $115,567.80
Jefferson County Public Schools $69,014.59
Greater Clark County Schools $21,246.00
Alphabetized list of Donors
Here’s an alphabetized list of fire departments, groups, organizations and companies that contributed to the 69th annual WHAS Crusade for Children. This will continue to be updated.
Amvets Post 61 $1,843.00
Anchorage – Middletown Fire Department $72,541.57
Anchorage Public School Read-A-Thon $8,661.60
Angelica Smith $500.00
Arami Acres Equine Program $2,100.00
Archdiocese of Louisville $211,558.00
Bagdad Fire Protection District $12,163.71
Ballardsville Fire Department $10,107.00
Baptist Health Foundation $10,000.00
Bardstown-Nelson County Fire Department $18,969.01
Bedford Fire Department $8,936.71
Black Box Dumpster $789.83
Bluegrass World of Wheels $17,000.00
Boone Township Volunteer Fire Department $7,069.30
Borden/Wood Township Fire Department $3,420.83
Boston Fire Department $5,266.76
Bradfordsville Fire Department $4,339.67
Breeding Area Fire Department $2,133.74
Buddy Award Honoree: Wayne Perkey
Campbellsburg Fire Department – Kentucky $8,824.10
Campbellsville – Taylor County Fire Department $35,716.10
Central Hardin Fire Department $1,583.85
Charlestown Vol. Fire Department $57,017.89
Clarkson Volunteer Fire Department $8,908.15
Clarksville Fire Department $55,232.00
Columbia – Adair Fire Department $52,851.76
Crusade Board of Directors – More for the Kids Sponsor $2,700.00
Crusade Endowment $500,000.00
Custer Area Vol. Fire & Rescue Department $4,686.76
Diane Moore Miracle Dancers $9,000.00
East Grayson Fire Department $6,649.00
Ekron Fire Department $26,830.63
Elizabeth Vol. Fire Department $25,320.00
Eminence Fire Department $11,550.57
Fairdale Fire Department $28,542.38
Fern Creek & Buechel Fire Departments $147,750.89
Fern Creek Split the Pot Winner: Doug Debold
First Harrison Bank – More for the Kids Sponsor $1,500.00
Flaherty Fire Department $31,217.89
Georgetown Township Volunteer Fire Department $23,227.57
Glendale Fire Department $2,967.23
Gravel Switch Fire Department $4,276.70
Greater Clark County Schools $21,246.00
Greater Louisville Rowing $1,000.00
Green County Fire Department $16,198.36
Hardinsburg Fire Department $6,298.52
Harned Area Fire Department $36,113.13
Harrison Township / Corydon Volunteer Fire Department $21,802.43
Hazelwood Community Homes & New Vista – Paul Hall $593.00
Heth Township Volunteer Fire Department $14,824.11
Highview Fire District $106,235.85
In Memory of Lorne Ballard $23,580.00
In Memory of Milton and Mimi Metz – from Perry Metz $5,000.00
Jefferson County Public Schools $69,014.59
Jeffersontown Fire District $111,959.80
Jeffersonville Fire Department $15,850.91
Jennings Township Volunteer Fire Department $14,929.70
Jewish Community of Louisville $180.00
Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant $2,500.00
Kelly Knoop and family $9,300.69
Kentuckiana Corvette Club & Moose Lodge 5 $12,547.00
Kentucky 86 Fire Department $21,000.00
Kentucky Kingdom $5,000.00
Lafayette Township Fire Department $92,777.31
LaGrange Fire and Rescue $22,247.68
Lanesville Volunteer Fire Department $17,959.85
Leavenworth Crusaders – Wilkins Family $5,155.00
Leavenworth Fire District $6,363.25
Lebanon Fire Department $41,222.00
Lebanon Junction Fire Department $9,816.08
Leitchfield Fire Department $16,320.89
Lemonade Stand – Andrew & Elizabeth $400.00
Lemonade Stand – Anthony, Audrey & Tristan $200.00
Lemonade Stand – Ava Canterbury $283.57
Lemonade Stand – Isaiah $200.00
Lemonade Stand – Madison Kazunas & Holden Greener $214.46
Lemonade Stand – Max, Huck & Charlie Davis $239.79
Lemonade Stand – Paisley & Fiona $480.00
Lemonade Stand – Sam & Zach Benson & Max Schuster $2,357.43
LG&E and KU Foundation $398,104.00
Livonia Fire Department $712.70
Loretto Fire Department $7,047.27
McCulloch Volunteer Fire Department $10,731.12
McDaniels Volunteer Fire Department $9,521.76
Meade County Fire Protection District $9,142.14
Meredith Dunn School $1,536.35
Milltown Fire Department $14,300.00
Monroe TWP Vol. Fire Department $72,431.00
Mt. Washington Fire Protection $51,608.10
New Albany Fire Department $7,016.25
New Castle Fire Department 15,583.75
New Hope Fire Department $2,700.00
New Middletown Volunteer Fire Department $10,356.56
Nichols Fire Department $6,840.33
Northeast Nelson Fire Department $21,779.66
Norton Healthcare Employees $115,567.80
NuLu Business Association $500.00
Okolona Fire Department $47,984.29
Okolona Fire Department Auxiliary – Milwaukee Tools Raffle Winner: Kenny Settle $2,500.00
Okolona Street Rods $8,420.00
Over Takers Car Club $215.00
Palmyra Fire Department $12,067.02
Payneville Fire Department $12,314.50
Pewee Valley Fire Protection District $64,644.03
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District $156,175.94
Pleasureville Fire Department $8,711.70
Ramsey Volunteer Fire & EMS $26,889.29
Raywick Fire Department $7,097.92
Republic Bank & Trust Co. $6,900.00
Republic Bank & Trust Co. $10,000.00
Retired McMahan Firefighters $7,805.00
Rineyville Fire Department $12,830.00
Rolling Fork & New Haven Fire Departments $21,828.39
Russell Springs Fire Department $11,506.75
Scottsburg Fire Department $13,527.15
Shelby County Fire & Rescue $86,831.88
Shelbyville Fire Department $15,822.81
Shepherdsville Fire Department $33,412.97
Shively Fire Department $10,140.81
Simpsonville Fire Department $12,890.24
Sonora Fire Department $5,245.71
South Oldham Fire Department $51,281.75
Southeast Bullitt Fire Department $20,193.39
Sparkles & Spurs $2,157.00
Springfield-Washington County Fire Department $8,615.68
St. Matthews Fire Protection District $91,058.00
Stephensburg Fire & Rescue $7,410.00
Superior Van & Mobility – More for the Kids Sponsor $6,900.00
Taylorsville Fire Department $38,108.76
TEGNA Foundation $10,000.00
The Temple $3,600.00
Tony Walker Financial $5,000.00
TOPS #20 – Tammy Sizemore $300.00
Tri-Township Fire & Rescue $12,917.91
UofL and UL Health – More for the Kids Sponsor $6,900.00
Upton Fire Department $2,288.20
Valley Creek Fire Department $15,105.00
Vine Grove Fire Department $13,871.53
Visually Impaired Preschool Services $1,106.00
Waddy Fire Department $13,757.79
Wax Fire Department $5,012.25
West 84 Volunteer Fire Department $3405
West Point Fire Department $12,358.60
Westport Fire Department $4,328.26
White Mills Volunteer Fire Department $7,060.00
Willisburg Fire Department $3,785.00
Woodford County Fire Department $15,388.00
Zoneton Fire Protection District $118,341.77
TOTAL: $5,133,684.69
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2022
69th Annual WHAS Crusade for Children raises $5,133,684.69
Communities in Kentucky and southern Indiana came together once again for the 69th Annual WHAS Crusade for Children to make life better for children with special needs. The final tote board tallied $5,133,684.69 as America’s most successful local telethon concluded with the traditional singing of “God Bless America” just before 7:00pm (EDT) Sunday, June 5, 2022. Since 1954, the Crusade has now raised a cumulative total of more than $205 million.
This year’s telethon featured live performances on the Variety Show on Saturday, June 4. The show was hosted by WHAS11’s Shay McAlister and 840 WHAS Radio’s Terry Meiners. They were joined by Patrick Henry Hughes, magician David Garrard, American Idol contestant Jackson Snelling of Austin, IN, and The Southern Sirens. There were additional recorded performances from The Miracle Dancers, The Diane Moore Dancers, Magician Lance Burton, Hazel Miller and the Collective, Sweet Harmony, Michelle Sydnor and Friends, Ricky Beavers, and American Idol contestant Layla Spring of Marion County, KY.
“It is heartwarming to see the people of Kentuckiana step up once again to make life better for children with special needs. A huge thank you to all who gave, the firefighters who worked tirelessly to collect, and the dedicated volunteers that help every year. After another tough year, this kind of generosity will make a very real difference in the lives of so many children,” said WHAS Crusade for Children President & CEO Dawn Lee.
More than $205 million for the kids
In its first 69 years, the Crusade has raised more than $205 million for children with special needs. One hundred percent of all donations raised Crusade weekend are returned in the form of grants to agencies, schools and hospitals that make life better for children with special needs in Kentucky and southern Indiana.
It takes a cast of thousands for this annual miracle, from individual donors dropping pocket change into boots at firefighter roadblocks to children hosting lemonade stands to corporations offering payroll deduction.
The Leaders
Nearly 60 percent of donations are collected by nearly 200 fire departments in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Fire departments have been involved with the Crusade since 1956 when Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Chief Ernie Bohler brought $400 on the Memorial Auditorium stage in Louisville and challenged all fire departments to get involved.
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District led the way for the Kentucky fire departments with $156,175.94.
The top Indiana fire department was Lafayette Township Fire Department with $92,777.31.
LG&E and KU Foundation led the community organizations with $398,104.00 in contributions.
So many to thank
The annual Crusade Internet/radio/telethon kicked off at 1:00pm (EDT) on Saturday, June 4 and aired in its entirety on 840 WHAS Radio, WHAS11 and worldwide on WHAS11.com. WHAS11 also simulcast the Crusade weekend program on YouTube Live. Updates were posted all weekend long on WHASCrusade.org, and donors across the country made donations.
In addition, WBNA-TV 21.1 in Louisville aired live broadcasts 12:30pm to 6:30pm Sunday, June 5, from the Kentucky cities of Elizabethtown, Shelbyville and Bardstown. WBKO-TV in Bowling Green aired remote telecasts from Campbellsville on Saturday and Leitchfield on Sunday.
Television Network
WHAS-TV, Louisville (flagship station)
WBNA-TV, Louisville
WBKO-TV, Bowling Green
Radio Network
WHAS, Louisville (flagship station)
Internet Network
WHAS11.com
WHASCrusade.org
To honor a pledge
Tax-deductible contributions can be sent anytime:
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 W. Chestnut St.
Louisville, KY 40202
Donations can also be made securely online on www.WHASCrusade.org.
To view a complete list of all groups that made donations live on the 69th Annual WHAS Crusade for Children, go to www.WHASCrusade.org.
About the WHAS Crusade for Children
The WHAS Crusade for Children, established by WHAS-TV in 1954, raises money for schools, agencies and hospitals that make life better for children with special needs. In its first 69 years, the Crusade has raised more than $205 million. Thanks to generous contributions of goods and services, the Crusade returns 100 percent of all donations to organizations in all 120 Kentucky counties and more than 50 southern Indiana counties. Fire departments raise nearly 60 percent of the money each year by staging road blocks and other events.
Millions of children have been helped by the Crusade since 1954. The WHAS Crusade for Children, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
There are many ways to give!
Donate By phone
Call 502-582-7511
Toll Free 1-888-382-7511
Operators are standing by!
Donate by Mail
Send your donation to:
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 W. Chestnut St.
Louisville, KY 40202.
Please be sure to make note if the donation is in honor or memory of someone or if you’d like to give credit to a certain fire department.
Donate Securely Online
Give online safely and securely. There is a section where someone can honor/memorialize a loved one or credit a fire department.
Watch the Crusade LIVE on WHAS11.com
Click here to watch continuous LIVE streaming on WHAS11.com.
Watch the Crusade LIVE on Facebook
Click here to watch continuous LIVE streaming on Facebook.
Venmo
Venmo a donation to @CrusadeForChildren. You can credit your fire department in the comments section.
Cash App
Just like Venmo, use Cash App and make a secure donation to $CrusadeChildren. You can credit your fire dept. in the notes section.
Paypal
If you use PayPal, you can use it to donate to the WHAS Crusade for Children!
Alexa
If you have an Amazon smart device, just say, “Alexa, donate to the Crusade for Children…” and Alexa will talk you through your secure donation, charging it to your card on file with Amazon.
ApplePay
New this year! You can donate to the Crusade using ApplePay.
Donate via Facebook
Go to the Crusade’s Facebook page to donate securely online. Facebook does not keep any fees for a charitable donation!
Who gave how much? It’s all listed here
Here’s a running list of fire departments, organizations and companies as they appeared on the 69th Annual WHAS Crusade for Children.
This list will be refreshed throughout the weekend. So keep checking back!
Campbellsburg Fire Department – Kentucky $8,824.10
LaGrange Fire and Rescue $22,247.68
Ballardsville Fire Department $10,107.00
Tony Walker Financial $5,000.00
Hazelwood Community Homes & New Vista – Paul Hall $593.00
Jefferson County Public Schools $69,014.59
Sparkles & Spurs $2,157.00
Okolona Fire Department Auxiliary – Milwaukee Tools Raffle Winner: Kenny Settle $1,500.00
Baptist Health Foundation $10,000.00
Okolona Street Rods $8,420.00
Angelica Smith $500.00
Visually Impaired Preschool Services $1,106.00
Jewish Community of Louisville $180.00
Amvets Post 61 $1,843.00
Over Takers Car Club $215.00
Black Box Dumpster $789.83
Meredith Dunn School $1,536.35
Lemonade Stand – Andrew & Elizabeth $400.00
Greater Louisville Rowing $1,000.00
Lemonade Stand – Paisley & Fiona $480.00
Retired McMahan Firefighters $7,805.00
Lemonade Stand – Anthony, Audrey & Tristan $200.00
Lemonade Stand – Ava Canterbury $283.57
Lemonade Stand – Max, Huck & Charlie Davis $239.79
Lemonade Stand – Madison Kazunas & Holden Greener $214.46
Lemonade Stand – Isaiah $200.00
Lemonade Stand – Sam & Zach Benson & Max Schuster $2,357.43
Green County Fire Department $16,198.36
Breeding Area Fire Department $2,133.74
Columbia Fire Department $52,851.76
Campbellsville – Taylor County Fire Department $35,716.10
Kelly Knoop and family $9,300.69
Diane Moore Miracle Dancers $9,000.00
Milltown Fire Department $14,300.00
Superior Van & Mobility – More for the Kids Sponsor $6,900.00
Kentuckiana Corvette Club & Moose Lodge 5 $12,547.00
NuLu Business Association $500.00
St. Matthews Fire Protection District $91,058.00
South Oldham Fire Department $51,281.75
Clarksville Fire Department $55,232.00
TEGNA Foundation $10,000.00
Norton Healthcare Employees $115,567.80
In Memory of Lorne Ballard $23,580.00
Arami Acres Equine Program $2,100.00
Livonia Fire Department $712.70
Anchorage Public School Read-A-Thon $8,661.60
New Albany Fire Department $7,016.25
Fairdale Fire Department $28,542.38
LG&E and KU Foundation $398,104.00
Buddy Award Honoree: Wayne Perkey
Palmyra Fire Department $12,067.02
Scottsburg Fire Department $13,527.15
Ekron Fire Department $26,830.63
Bluegrass World of Wheels $17,000.00
Tri-Township Fire & Rescue $12,917.91
McCulloch Volunteer Fire Department $10,731.12
Nichols Fire Department $6,840.33
Leavenworth Crusaders – Wilkins Family $5,155.00
Highview Fire District $106,235.85
Ramsey Volunteer Fire & EMS $26,889.29
First Harrison Bank – More for the Kids Sponsor $1,500.00
Jeffersonville Fire Department $15,850.91
Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant $2,500.00
UofL and UL Health – More for the Kids Sponsor $6,900.00
Pewee Valley Fire Protection District $64,644.03
Jeffersontown Fire District $111,959.80
Heth Township Volunteer Fire Department $14,824.11
In Memory of Milton and Mimi Metz – from Perry Metz $5,000.00
Southeast Bullitt Fire Department $20,193.39
Meade County Fire Protection District $9,142.14
The Temple $3,600.00
Georgetown Township Volunteer Fire Department $23,227.57
Crusade Board of Directors – More for the Kids Sponsor $2,700.00
Jennings Township Volunteer Fire Department $14,929.70
Payneville Fire Department $12,314.50
Boone Township Volunteer Fire Department $7,069.30
Clarkson Volunteer Fire Department $8,908.15
East Grayson Fire Department $6,649.00
Hardinsburg Fire Department $6,298.52
Harned Area Fire Department $36,113.13
McDaniels Vol. Fire Department $9,521.76
Wax Fire Department $5,012.25
Custer Area Vol. Fire & Rescue Department $4,686.76
Leitchfield Fire Department $16,320.89
Glendale Fire Department $2,967.23
Sonora Fire Department $5,245.71
Stephensburg Fire & Rescue $7,410.00
White Mills Volunteer Fire Department $7,060.00
West 84 Volunteer Fire Department 3405
West Point Fire Department $12,358.60
Kentucky 86 Fire Department $21,000.00
Lebanon Junction Fire Department $9,816.08
Rineyville Fire Department $12,830.00
Vine Grove Fire Department $13,871.53
Central Hardin Fire Department $1,583.85
Upton Fire Department $2,288.20
Valley Creek Fire Department $15,105.00
Simpsonville Fire Department $12,890.24
New Castle Fire Department 15,583.75
Pleasureville Fire Department $8,711.70
Eminence Fire Department $11,550.57
Bagdad Fire Protection District $12,163.71
Taylorsville Fire Department $38,108.76
Shelbyville Fire Department $15,822.81
Waddy Fire Department $13,757.79
Bedford Fire Department $8,936.71
Zoneton Fire Protection District $118,341.77
Leavenworth Fire District $6,363.25
Borden/Wood Township Fire Department $3,420.83
Anchorage – Middletown Fire Department $72,541.57
Kentucky Kingdom $5,000.00
TOPS #20 – Tammy Sizemore $300.00
Shepherdsville Fire Department $33,412.97
New Middletown VFD $10,356.56
Mt. Washington Fire Protection $51,608.10
Monroe TWP Vol. Fire Department $72,431.00
Westport Fire Department $4,328.26
Charlestown Vol. Fire Department $57,017.89
Lanesville VFD $17,959.85
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District $156,175.94
Republic Bank & Trust Co. $6,900.00
Elizabeth Vol. Fire Department $25,320.00
Shively Fire Department $10,140.81
Harrison Township / Corydon Volunteer Fire Department $21,802.43
Okolona Fire Department $47,984.29
Flaherty Fire Department $31,217.89
Woodford County Fire Department $15,388.00
Shelby County Fire & Rescue $86,831.88
Willisburg Fire Department $3,785.00
Springfield-Washington Co Fire Dept $8,615.68
Raywick Fire Department $7,097.92
Gravel Switch Fire Department $4,276.70
Bradfordsville Fire Department $4,339.67
Loretto Fire Department $7,047.27
Lebanon Fire Department $41,222.00
New Hope Fire Department $2,700.00
Rolling Fork & New Haven Fire Departments $21,828.39
Northeast Nelson Fire Department $21,779.66
Boston Fire Department $5,266.76
Bardstown-Nelson County Fire Department $18,969.01
Lafayette Township Fire Dept $92,777.31
Greater Clark County Schools $21,246.00
Republic Bank & Trust Co. $10,000.00
Archdiocese of Louisville $211,558.00
Fern Creek Split the Pot Winner: Doug Debold
Fern Creek & Buechel Fire Departments $147,750.89
Crusade Endowment $500,000.00
TOTAL: $5,133,684.69
Donate with Crypto
New this year! The Crusade now accepts Crypto donations! Click here to get started. More ways to fuel the Crusade’s mission!
Donate your vehicle
The Crusade has teamed up with Vehicles for Charity. It’s easy to do and they’ll tow your car away for free, just click here.
See a list of the many NEW WAYS TO GIVE, just CLICK HERE for more.
Firefighters and communities back in-person for the 69th WHAS Crusade for Children
The 69th WHAS Crusade for Children is scheduled for June 4-5, 2022. Communities throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana have been a key part of the WHAS Crusade for Children since 1954. Crusade supporters come together each year to help make life better for children with special needs in Kentucky and Indiana. Many fire departments are bringing back in-person events and donation collections this year.
Shay McAlister and Terry Meiners host
This year’s telethon will feature some live performances for the Variety Show beginning at 8pm (EDT) on Saturday, June 4. The show will be hosted by WHAS11’s Shay McAlister and 840 WHAS Radio’s Terry Meiners and will bring great entertainment right into viewers’ homes. They will be joined by Patrick Henry Hughes who is returning in-person for the first time since 2019. Renowned magician and long-time Crusade friend David Garrard will amaze viewers with his magic tricks. American Idol contestant Jackson Snelling, of Austin, Indiana, will also be performing this year. Other performers taking part in this year’s show include The Miracle Dancers, The Diane Moore Dancers, Magician Lance Burton, Hazel Miller and the Collective, The Southern Sirens, Sweet Harmony and Michelle Sydnor and Friends; plus performances by recording artist Ricky Beavers and American Idol contestant Layla Spring of Marion County, Kentucky.
Firefighters still leading the way
Fire departments across Kentucky and southern Indiana raise nearly 60 percent of Crusade donations each year by staging roadblocks and hosting other events. Some fire departments will also host drive through collection sites at their fire stations or at other convenient locations for donors to drop off donations. Check with your local fire departments and other civic groups to find out how they will be collecting donations this year.
here are also many digital ways to donate. Fire departments get fundraising credit if you include their name when using the following ways to give:
• ApplePay
• Venmo @CrusadeForChildren
• CashApp $CrusadeChildren
• PayPal WHAS Crusade for Children
• WHASCrusade.org
In addition, Facebook users can host a Facebook fundraiser for the WHAS Crusade for Children at https://www.facebook.com/fund/WHASCrusade/.
Crusade Network
The annual Crusade Internet/radio/telethon kicks off at 1:00pm (EDT) on Saturday, June 4 and airs in its entirety on WHAS Radio (AM 840), WHAS-TV (Channel 11.1) and on WHAS11.com. The tote board total will be announced just before 7:00pm (EDT) on Sunday, June 5.
In addition, WBNA-TV (Channel 21.1) in Louisville airs live broadcasts from12:30pm to 6:30pm (EDT) Sunday, June 5 from the Kentucky cities of Elizabethtown, Shelbyville and Bardstown. WBKO-TV in Bowling Green airs remote telecasts from Campbellsville on Saturday from 7:00-8:00pm (EDT) and Leitchfield from 12:30-2:00pm (EDT) on Sunday.
Television Network
WHAS-TV, Louisville (flagship station)
WBNA-TV, Louisville
WBKO-TV, Bowling Green
Radio Network
WHAS, Louisville (flagship station)
Internet Network
WHAS11.com
WHASCrusade.org
WHAS11.com will provide live video streaming of the entire broadcast visible anywhere in the world and also simulcast on Facebook Live. WHASCrusade.org will provide updates throughout the weekend and a complete list of all groups that make donations.
100 percent for the kids
In the first 68 years, the Crusade has raised $200 million for children with special needs. Thanks to generous contributions of goods and services, the Crusade is able to grant 100 percent of all donations to agencies, hospitals and schools that serve children with special needs in all 120 Kentucky counties and more than 50 southern Indiana counties.
It takes a cast of thousands for this annual miracle, from individual donors dropping pocket change into boots at firefighter roadblocks to schools hosting penny challenges to corporations offering payroll deduction.
About the WHAS Crusade for Children
The WHAS Crusade for Children, established by WHAS-TV in 1954, raises money for agencies, hospitals and schools that make life better for children with special needs. Thanks to generous contributions of goods and services, the Crusade returns 100 percent of all donations to organizations in all 120 Kentucky counties and more than 50 counties in southern Indiana. Fire departments raise nearly 60 percent of the money each year by staging roadblocks and hosting other events. Millions of children have been helped by the Crusade since 1954. The WHAS Crusade for Children, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Donations are tax deductible
The WHAS Crusade for Children, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts are tax deductible as permitted by law. EIN #23-7075524.
See a list of the many NEW WAYS TO GIVE, just CLICK HERE for more.
The WHAS Crusade for Children is always working to provide grant money to schools, hospitals, and agencies throughout Kentucky and Indiana. 100 percent of your donations go to providing a better life for special needs children. School systems remain one of the largest recipients of grant money to help with purchasing everything from assistive technologies to adaptive equipment. Here’s a look at your donations helping Isabelle Cannon attain her goal of graduating from Ballard High School this June.
The bike you see Isabelle riding in the story costs nearly five thousand dollars. This year the WHAS Crusade for Children awarded over 1.4 million dollars in grant money to K-12 school systems including Jefferson County Public Schools. To see a complete list of this year’s grant recipients you can go to WHASCrusade.org. While there you can also donate to the Crusade for Children. Just click on the “Ways to Give” tab at the top of the page to see all the different ways you can donate.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to another member of the Crusade family. For twenty years, Wayne Perkey was the face of the WHAS Crusade for Children. In 1980, he became only the second person to be chosen to emcee the telethon, an honor that he respected and cherished. Here’s Wayne’s story told to you in his own words… of his love and dedication to the WHAS Crusade for Children and the children with special needs that are helped every year.
Wayne continued to be involved by hosting on Sunday mornings of the telethon weekend. He most recently helped kick things off this past Crusade Sunday for the 68th WHAS Crusade for Children telethon in 2021. A clip of that appearance is featured at the end of this tribute.
The family has requested that donations and expressions of sympathy go to:
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 West Chestnut St.
Louisville KY 40202
WHAS11 remembers Wayne
Watch more from WHAS11, just click here.
More in the Courier-Journal
Learn more about Wayne’s career and life from the Courier-Journal, just click here.
More on Facebook
See photos and memories of Wayne on the Crusade’s Facebook page, just click here.
Terry Meiners interviews Wayne
Listen to a recent interview of Wayne with Terry Meiners as they celebrate the soon-to-be 100th anniversary of NewsRadio 840 WHAS, just click here.
The Renshaw Early Childhood Center on the campus of Western Kentucky University has received Crusade support since 2007. The “Big Red School” as it’s called, serves children of varying abilities from ages 15 months through kindergarten. The school’s goal is to prepare these children, whatever their abilities, to go on to school and be successful in life.
The WHAS Crusade for Children has granted Renshaw Early Childhood Center over $500,000 in the last 14 years from . The program not only helps special needs children but also allows for hands-on training for Western Kentucky University education students. Here’s a look at how Crusade grant money is being used to change young lives and preparing them to be successful.
It is with great sorrow that we are saying goodbye to one of the pillars in the history of WHAS11 and the WHAS Crusade for Children. Bud Harbsmeier passed away on Saturday, December 4th at the age of 86 after a courageous battle against kidney cancer. Bud was an award winning journalist for 20 years at WHAS11. In 1982 he decided to walk away from his news career and pursue a much different path.
He took over as the Director of the WHAS Crusade for Children and stayed in that role for the next 19 years. Bud retired from leading the Crusade in 2000 but he never gave up working for the children with special needs in #Kentucky and #Indiana.
Bud Harbsmeier is survived by his three sons: Curt, Craig (Paula) & Kent (Debbie) and 4 grandchildren Kristen Alvarez (Justin), Alexis, Kyle & Katlyn Harbsmeier.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Cards and donations can be sent to:
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 West Chestnut
Louisville KY 40202
Click here to make a secure online memorial donation remembering Bud.
Crusade for Children tribute
Watch this video tribute, produced by Phil Dunaway, as Bud talks about the WHAS Crusade for Children in his own words.
WHAS11 legacy
Click here to see a video and more about Bud’s life and WHAS career from WHAS11’s Doug Proffitt.
Courier-Journal story
Click here to read more about Bud’s life from this story in the Louisville Courier-Journal.
Bud’s obituary
Click here to read Bud’s obituary and funeral arrangements.
Terry Meiners and Hayley Minogue host
The WHAS Crusade for Children’s annual year-end special, “Building the Future”, will air on WHAS11 Saturday, December 11th at 6:30pm. It’s hosted by Terry Meiners from NewsRadio 840 WHAS and Hayley Minogue of WHAS11 News.
Hear from experts
It’s a special about the Crusade Endowment. You’ll hear from financial experts on the many ways you can help the WHAS Crusade for Children in your will and estate planning.
See your donations helping
You’ll meet some of the children with special needs your donations help. And you’ll learn about the many ways to give and how you can make a difference in the life of a child.
The endowment is critical every year, but even more so during this pandemic.
The 30-minute program will air multiple times on WHAS11:
Saturday, December 11 at 6:30pm
Saturday, December 25 at 1:00pm
Sunday, December 26 at 5:30am
A special 60-minute version will air multiple times on NewsRadio 840 WHAS:
Friday, December 24 at 4:00pm
Saturday, December 25 at 6:00am
Saturday, December 25 at Noon
Watch it now on YouTube
There are many ways to make a year-end donation
By phone
Call 502-582-7706, leave your name and number, someone will get back to you.
Donate by Mail
Send your donation to:
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 W. Chestnut St.
Louisville, KY 40202.
Please be sure to make note if the donation is in honor or memory of someone or if you’d like to give credit to a certain fire department.
Donate Securely Online
Give online safely and securely. There is a section where someone can honor/memorialize a loved one or credit a fire department.
Venmo
Venmo a donation to @CrusadeForChildren. You can credit your fire department in the comments section.
Cash App
Just like Venmo, use Cash App and make a secure donation to $CrusadeChildren. You can credit your fire dept. in the notes section.
Paypal
If you use PayPal, you can use it to donate to the WHAS Crusade for Children!
Alexa
If you have an Amazon smart device, just say, “Alexa, donate to the Crusade for Children…” and Alexa will walk you through your secure donation, charging it to your card on file with Amazon.
Donate via Facebook
Go to the Crusade’s Facebook page to donate securely online. Facebook does not keep any fees for a charitable donation!
Donations are tax deductible
The WHAS Crusade for Children, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts are tax deductible as permitted by law. EIN #23-7075524.