EP92: March 2026 Update - Tornados, Seniors, Bink-A-Thons

In this update episode, founder Susan Finch shares what Binky Patrol chapters are doing right now, from sending handmade blankets to tornado victims in Illinois and Indiana (in partnership with Reach Out Worldwide) to launching the Active Seniors campaign, expanding Greek life events in Connecticut and Oregon, and preparing for Bink-A-Thon in October.

The official 30th anniversary lands on June 19th — the date Binky Patrol went national, time zone by time zone, when it appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show for National AIDS Awareness Day. Susan gives a shout-out to author Jennifer Chiaverini, whose book Round Robin from the Elm Creek Quilts series is part of their celebration reading list.

The Bink-A-Thon, sponsored by the Mr. Ballen Foundation, is ramping up. And Mr. Ballen himself is heading out on a live storytelling tour this summer — including a stop in Portland, which happens to land right around the 30th anniversary date.

Susan also breaks down all the ways to get involved: become a chapter, host a one-time event, or set up your business as a drop-off location — with your logo, your info, and your choice of where local blankets get delivered.

One volunteer hour a month. That's all it takes.

Learn more and get involved at binkypatrol.org

Links Referenced in This Episode

binkypatrol.org — Binky Patrol main site

binkypatrol.org/active-seniors — Active Seniors campaign

binkypatrol.org/greek-life — Greek life campaign

roww.org — Reach Out Worldwide (tornado relief partner)

ballenstudios.com — Ballen Studios (live storytelling tour dates)

mrballen.foundation — Mr. Ballen Foundation (Bink-A-Thon sponsor)

tvctv.org — TVCTV (local community cable, PSA submissions)