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Turning 20 suits Telethon to a
T
 ven
after 20 years, the WBZ-Children's Telethon is still going strong.
So strong, in fact, that this year's donations of more than $2.8
million trumped last years record total of $2.5 million.
The event was highlighted by great entertainment, famous
visitors, and most important, stories
of Children's patients who have faced and handled adversity
in their young lives. Among them was Chris Johnson, the 21-year-old
brain tumor patient featured in the latest issue of Dream magazine.
Chris was interviewed live during the telecast, and talked about
how much Children's has meant to him and his family throughout his
eight-year illness.
As with last year, the most famous visitors to the hospital were
members of the world champion New England Patriots. More than a
dozen players spent over two hours visiting patients on the floors
and in the Patient Entertainment Center. Singer James Taylor donated
his time and talent as well, performing two classic songs for the
television audience.
"We had another great Telethon this year," says Vanessa
DeMichele, senior manager of Special Events at the Children's Hospital
Trust. "In addition to the record fund raising, the patient
stories were compelling, our visitors were thrilled to be involved
and the entertainment was spectacular. Everything just seemed to
come together to make it a great night for the hospital and for
all of our patients."
Of the $2.8 million raised, more than $222,000 came from nearly
3,000 pledges during the three-hour Telethon. An auction of donated
items such as Patriots season tickets, dinner with two Boston Celtics
players, a trip to the Cayman Islands and a skiing trip to Steamboat
Springs, Colorado raised more than $40,000. The rest of the money
came from corporate sponsors.
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