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East Central Alabama To Net $300k with 2004 UCP Telethon

Over a 10 hour period on August 7 - 8, UCP of East Central Alabama held its 46th annual telethon. As of 6pm, Sunday, August 8th, more than $257,000 had been raised.

However, judging by last year’s efforts that total will change. In 2003, UCP of East Central Alabama raised $215,000 at the close of their telethon, but the money continued to come in and the final total was adjusted to over $290,000.

"This year," says Shannon Priddy, Development Director for UCP of East Central Alabama, "we are expecting an excess of $300,000 for our Telethon fundraising efforts."

While this is their 46th year, the format for the telethon has changed over the years. No longer are they on the air all night. UCP of East Central Alabama found by just being on the air for ten hours, during prime time, over the course of two days—6-10pm on Saturday and 12-6pm on Sunday—they were much more effective.

The slimmer format enables them to devote more time to developing other programs and services for the affiliate.

Yet, the Telethon serves another purpose, and that, according to Priddy, "is to remain a visible and upstanding charity in our community."

The Telethon has become a staple of the East Central Alabama community, involving several thousand local volunteers in some way before and during the Telethon.

"Our VIPs are a vital part of our fund raising efforts," added Shannon Priddy.

Each VIP supporter committed to raise at least $1,200 to go toward the Telethon total. At least one VIP, Board Member Bill Thrash, reached the $25,000 mark.

For further information, contact Shannon Priddy.

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