WOWO is proud to announce the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council (NIBCC) as the recipient of the 79th Annual Penny Pitch campaign.
For nearly eight decades, Penny Pitch has helped local nonprofit organizations make a lasting impact throughout Northeast Indiana. This year, the tradition continues by supporting an organization dedicated to serving the men and women who have served our nation.
The Northeast Indiana Base Community Council was founded with a mission to build, grow, and enhance the quality of life in Northeast Indiana by supporting the military community. Through education, collaboration, communication, and community programs, the all-volunteer organization works to create a welcoming environment for military members and their families while connecting them with resources and support services.
NIBCC serves military personnel and families across much of Northeast Indiana, including Allen, Adams, Huntington, Wells, Whitley, DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, Kosciusko, Wabash, Miami, and LaGrange counties. The organization also supports several local military units, including the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, the 1st Battalion, 330th Army Reserve unit, and personnel connected to Grissom Air Reserve Base.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, this year’s selection highlights the important role military service members, veterans, and their families play in our communities. Funds raised through the 79th Annual Penny Pitch campaign will help NIBCC continue its mission of supporting those who serve and strengthening the connection between Northeast Indiana and its military community.
Thank you for supporting WOWO Penny Pitch!
The History of Penny Pitch:
Since 1948, WOWO has asked people throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan to contribute pennies, nickels, dimes or more to help families within the WOWO listening area.
Penny Pitch began after World War II when a simple request came to WOWO to help a young quadriplegic buy a special typewriter so he could pursue a writing career.
A request was made over the air for listeners to donate their pennies. The response was so overwhelming that more than enough was raised to help the young man.
Thus, Penny Pitch was born.
Over the next few years, momentum grew as the Tri-State area adopted Penny Pitch as their own local charitable effort. Each year, local families were chosen as the recipients of Penny Pitch.
Funds continued to grow until it became necessary to incorporate Penny Pitch into a non-profit corporation providing benefits for those who contribute large amounts.
Now, over 70 years after the first Penny Pitch began, the corporation provides grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations that serve disadvantaged people in the Fort Wayne, Allen County and Northeast Indiana region.
As the longest-running local charity benefiting area families, Penny Pitch is loved by listeners who give generously every year.