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In 1975, WWKI Radio and KI 3 (T.V. station) simulcast the first 47-hour radio-telethon, the previous year six hours of radio time had been donated.
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In 1980, turned a $1,000 donation into a semi load of 172,000 jars of Beech Nut baby food valued at $28,000. The story gained national attention and was aired on NBC's Today Show
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In 1980, spontaneously sold the first of the dated We Care signs for $250.00. The selling of the sign is now a tradition and has contributed in excess of $30,000.
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In 1982, TeleCable of Kokomo joined the We Care Christmas effort by donating airtime for the entire 47-hour telethon. This donation was the largest single in-kind contribution dollar wise and it also carried the entire fund drive to thousands more viewers.
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In 1983, We Care incorporated, obtained 501 (c) (3) status, tax-exempt classification, and a trademark logo.
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In 1985, Ponderosa®, in conjunction with their 20-Year Celebration, held a We Care-Sylvia concert and presented We Care with a $10,000 check.
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In 1985, the largest, single donation was a check for $13,054.00 raised through ongoing activities throughout Delco Electronics Plant No. 5.
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In 1985, published the first We Care not just another COOKBOOK and sold all 10,000 copies in 21 days.
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In 1986, introduction of the popular STUFF; a toffee coated popcorn, pecans, almonds, & nut mouthwatering treat. Cates Trucking of Swayzee voluntarily delivers the product annually.
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In 1991, published the 702-page We Care not just another COOKBOOK Classic Edition and sold ALL 10,000 copies in 21 hours (yes, 21 HOURS)! The first 5550 were sold from the back of a semitrailer.
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Various merchants used over 9,000,000 grocery bags which conveyed a message of support for We Care. ('85, '86, '87, '88).
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Received the Presidential C-Flag award and was a guest in a Rose Garden ceremony. ('85, '86, '87).
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In 1992, Coca-Cola distributed 12 oz. cans with a special 20th Anniversary message.
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The first in a series of baskets, Celebrating The 20th anniversary We Care Commemorative Basket was offered.
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In 1993, reprint 10,000 copies of We Care not just another COOKBOOK Classic Edition and sold out.
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In 1993, Coca-Cola initiated the first 32 oz. cup with nearly 100% support in the Kokomo area. The public seized the opportunity to create a collectible item, which resulted in an annual program promoting We Care.
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In 1994, area school choirs sang music for the We Care joy of singing CD and tape selling as a benefit for both the schools and We Care.
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In 1995, TCI continued the broadcast tradition and simulcasts the telethon with WWKI Radio.
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In 1995, the first Spirit of Hope tapestry sold for $8,000.
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In 1996, was honored with The Washington Times Foundation National Service Award
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The Kokomo Mall provided space for a temporary We Care store during the two weeks of the Trim-A-Tree Festival.
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Dick and Charlie hosted a tour of the We Care facility at the beginning of the 1997 25th Anniversary Telethon.
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In 1997, Coca-Cola distributed a special 12 oz. can recognizing the 25 year effort of We Care.
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The basket series continued in popularity with the sixth in the series, Celebrating 25 Years of Giving, The Season of Hope Basket .
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Special items were offered celebrating the 25th Anniversary of We Care - pewter plates, ornaments, license plates, and silver coins.
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In 1997, tapestry tote bags along with denim tote bags were introduced along with Creamy Potato Soup mix.
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In 1997, the number of phone operators increased to sixteen to enable more callers an opportunity to bid.
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In 1998, you talk about crunch, We Care Tater Chips were introduced and were sold by Meijer and the Krogers stores in addition to the We Carestore.
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In 1998 Insight Communications joined WWKI to simulcast the telethon and extended the time to a full 48 hours.
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In 2002, We Care Founder and WWKI radio personality Dick Bronson died suddenly from a massive heart attack while participating in the July 8th Haynes-Apperson Festival Parade. He had led the We Care efforts for 29 years.
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In 2002, We Care celebrated its 30th anniversary, raising a record total of nearly $860,000 for the season.
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In 2004, Jan Buechler, AKA We Care Jan, announced she had been diagnosed with cancer and would retire as volunteer coordinator at the end of the year.
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In 2006, an accidental fire at the WWKI studio building on April 26th destroyed the We Care offices and infrastructure. Re-building began almost immediately, while planning continued for the 34th annual telethon in December.
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In 2006, We Care Jan passed away on June 15th, marking the end of her 32 consecutive years of We Care leadership and coordination.
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In 2006, the We Care offices re-opened in November, newly renovated during fire recovery, and plans proceeded for the 34th working season.
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In 2007, We Care celebrated its 35th anniversary. Viewers from across the world joined in as portions of the telethon were broadcast on the Internet for the first time ever.
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In 2008, Comcast acquired Insight Communications, and joined WWKI to simulcast the 36th telethon during their first-year serving the Kokomo market.
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In 2009, Charlie Cropper, co-host of the popular Male Call program, passed away on February 24th. Charlie was in his 40th year as a broadcast employee of WWKI and was a major part of We Care for 36 years.
