WHEELING - The 38th-annual Easter Seals Telethon concluded Sunday with a final tote of $222,980.
The money raised from the annual event stays in the Ohio Valley, according to organizers. The funds will support existing rehabilitation programs and cover the cost of care for qualifying individuals with disabilities and developmental delays who do not have insurance, are underinsured or have no financial resources to pay.
Funds raised from this event came from individual pledges, corporate sponsorships, civic organizations and the Very Interested Person program, according to officials.
"We cannot thank the Ohio Valley enough continuously supporting our mission of creating solutions that change lives. Not only is the telethon a fantastic opportunity to educate our community about the work we do, but it is also a great way to see the impact their contributions make for the children and families we serve," said Jess Puglisi-Sanders, community relations director.
The telethon was broadcast from the studios of WTRF-TV and was hosted by Brenda Danehart and Scott Nolte. Jim Conner from WKWK-FM hosted the entertainment segments from Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack.
The Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center is a nonprofit facility that provides physical, occupational and speech therapies, early intervention/education, social work services, medical services and advocacy to individuals with developmental delays and disabilities.
Easter Seals' primary service area includes Brooke, Hancock, Tyler, Marshall, Ohio and Wetzel counties in West Virginia and Belmont, Monroe, Jefferson and Harrison counties in Ohio.
