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Telethon of Stars Helping Local Charities for 56 years by Crystal Engler Purchase Parenting and Family Magazine
Editor’s Note: The annual Telethon of the Stars is one of the main funding sources for programs which support the intellectually disabled community of western Kentucky. My son, John, is part of a similar program in his home town of San Francisco. These programs make it possible for adults like my son to live a full, happy and productive life. They help to support job placement, social activities and of course daily living skills. They are a huge source of support to these children and adults, and their families. So, instead of clicking over to another channel…this year stop and make a pledge. Let’s support these invaluable programs in our community.
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t’s that time of year again for the Telethon of Stars! The 56th annual event will take place on November 10th and 11th. The Telethon of Stars focuses primarily on entertaining and educating the public. The fifteen hours free show of live music with interviews and features is open to the public. It’s televised on WPSD Local 6 the entire time and is sponsored this year by the Lions Club and WPSD Local 6. “The Telethon of Stars is one of the longest running, locally produced Telethons in the United States,” said Charlie Katterjohn, Associate Producer, at WPSD Local 6. “Over the years we’ve raised more than $23 million for all of the centers we support. It started as a radio auction in 1957 and then made its way to television when WPSD got involved with it. The headliners who attend the telethon all want to
come back and do it again. We’ve had 28 cast members of Days of Our Lives over the past 30 years. It’s very well-known through the music industry. Every year I’m amazed at how much people get involved - not only the Lions Club, WPSD, and Easter Seals West Kentucky - but the community as a whole. It’s just a great event.”
This year’s lineup This year, the Telethon has many exciting headliners for you to watch. The country music duo Steel Magnolia, Felix Cavaliere‘s Rascals, Orleans, Ball in the House, Shawn Christian from NBC’s Days of Our Lives, Reggie Lafaye, Eric Horner, Lew Jetton & 61 South, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Duke Mason, and Aaron Loveland. In addition, there will be plenty of local talent including Shi’Ann Jones, Planet Here, Justin Ryan, Ms. Dahn & Family Band, Clint Fisher, The Trio, Ray Ligon, Paducah Improv, Blend, Social Revolution 5, Caleb Blankenship, Center Ridge Boys, Hunter Wright, Tony Logue Band, Luk Nichols, Jalyn Walls, Mason Ramsey, Becky Freeman, Larry Logeman, Jeff Wisely, Mike Steel, Rising Life, Steel Dove, Becky Freeman Quartet, n1 Accord, Shelter, Reese Adams, and Heather Castleberry. Scott McGee and Jennifer Rukavina will both emcee. Each Telethon offers something unique, and the 56th annual event is no different. This year, the Telethon will be including a ‘retro’ segment including 70’s and 80’s talent such as Orleans, who will perform their hits including ‘Dance with Me’ and ‘Still the One.’ Felix Cavalier’s Rascals will be per-
www.purchaseparenting.com November2012 • 69