Rainbow Connection back on screens with 49th Annual Telethon Sunday
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Mar. 4, 2022) – The Rainbow Connection has high hopes this weekend for its biggest yearly fundraiser to help people in need with their medical expenses and equipment purchases.
Director Perci Garner says they’ll be accepting donations during the 49th Annual Rainbow Connection Telethon from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, which is also when their online auction ends with staggered times for dozens of items now up for bid.
“Thank you for everyone bidding and hopefully you get the item you want. But if not, you’re still giving to the Rainbow Connection because you’re driving everyone else’s donation up,” laughed Garner.
Garner says the telethon last year brought in more than $272,000 last year. The goal this time is $280,000.
“The reason our community is so generous is because we literally give back all the money raised, and it stays in Tuscarawas County. You can see where your money goes,” he said.
Garner says Sunday’s telethon will more closely resemble its pre-pandemic format.
“We’re going to have our corporate sponsor partners in the building, unlike last year, which I’m excited about. And I get to introduce everybody. If you’ve never listened to my podcast, that’s my favorite thing to do,” Garner said.
Garner says several area schools have been getting involved. Claymont’s Primary Elementary donated over $3,100 and New Philadelphia Central Elementary fifth graders have raised more than $2,700, just to name a couple.
Garner says you can access the online auction and watch Sunday’s telethon at www.tuscrainbow.org. It’s also airing on Spectrum Cable channel 15.