The Life Ring Foundation presented a check for 1.25 million dollars today to Carilion Children’s, in support of pediatric cancer care and blood disorders. Kelly Woolwine founded Life Ring Foundation with his wife Jess; their daughter Charlotte won her years-long battle with liver cancer – but had to travel to Cincinnati for much of that treatment. Life Ring has already donated more than its original 2 million dollar pledge – and has now committed to an expanded goal of four million.

Those that are not big box store fans while they shop for Christmas and holiday presents may want to check out another craft show at the Berglund Center this weekend. WFIR’s Gene Marrano on the 10th Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Show:

Virginia’s Senior US Senator Mark Warner announced this morning that he intends to run for re-election. In an announcement video, Warner said if he gets another term in the Senate, he will push for big ideas to help families in the Commonwealth have a fair shot at success.

As of now, current State Senator Bryce Reeves and Fairfax County resident Kim Farington are the only Republicans running to challenge Warner in November.

Two husband-and-wife teams have teamed up to form “Shine by JSP,” a non-profit community theatre group focused on developing talent and providing a stage for African American actors, directors and crew in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Former Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. an his wife Kristin Warren Jeffrey are also Shine partners. The first production is the musical “Crowns,” in late February at the Dumas Center on Henry Street. Pastor Kirby Spivey is one of the “Shine” partners; he was live in studio this morning on WFIR; hear the complete conversation from this morning below, or watch it on Facebook.

A new center offering comprehensive and individualized therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder has opened its doors in the SW Roanoke Norwich neighborhood. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Small businesses are what make a community unique.  While shoppers are out looking for Black Friday deals, business owners in the region are hoping you will spend some of those dollars at local small business retailers.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010.  The next year the Small Business Administration officially became a cosponsor.  Small businesses always need the support of their local communities. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us why it’s important to all of us.

PARK Roanoke is offering FREE parking in the following garages Thursday, November 28rd – Saturday, November 30th to encourage holiday shopping: Campbell, Church, Elmwood, Gainsboro, and Tower. Click here to learn more about parking.  

Downtown Roanoke Inc-DRI

Retailers may breath a sigh of relief as the latest Roanoke College survey focused on holiday spending by Virginia consumer slows a slight overall dip – but trending towards more gift buying. Details from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future. Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment.

The day after Thanksgiving maybe Black Friday for retailers, but for plumbers it’s Brown Friday, a busy day full of clogged pipes caused by grease and greasy food.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

The Bedford Regional Water Authority and Lynchburg Water Resources are ramping up for their annual “Enjoy the Feast, Recycle the Grease” Campaign.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno explains why the campaign is important.

Citizens can pick up at-home recycling kits during the holiday season, November 10 to December 31, at

Lynchburg locations

Bedford County locations

Cooking Oil & Grease Recycling

Smithfield Foods this morning dropped off close to 38 thousand pounds of meat to Feeding Southwest Virginia in Salem ahead of this Saturday’s Commonwealth Clash football game between UVA and Virginia Tech. David Dantzler, Director of Corporate Relations for Feeding Southwest Virginia, says this type of donation means a lot to the organization and residents who will put this food on the table for the holidays.

Dantzler says the proteins will be distributed as soon as possible. Virginia Tech is putting together hundreds of Thanksgiving meals kits.