The Ronald McDonald Telethon aired on Friday from 7-11 p.m. on WTVC, News Channel 9, at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. It was hosted by news anchors Kim Chapman, Latricia Thomas, Josh Roe, David Glenn, Greg Funderburg, Calvin Sneed and Marcia Kling. The purpose of the Telethon was to thank donors for their past support in 2014. Their check presentations highlighted a donation amount that RMHC of Greater Chattanooga was able to use in the past.
During the four-hour prime time telecast on WTVC-NewsChannel9, past and current families and donors who gave in 2014 were featured and talked about their connection to RMHC. Phone bank volunteers were taking call-in donations from viewers.
This year, RMHC raised more money from call-in donations than any other past Telethons; they raised a total of $14,000. The Dayton La-Z-Boy manufacturing facility donated two pieces of furniture for viewers to bid on. The sofa and chair brought in $800 that went directly to RMHC. Interviews were held in the “La-Z-Boy Lounge” where the sofa and couch were displayed.
The Telethon is part of RMHC of Greater Chattanooga’s annual Share-A-Night campaign, which encourages donations in $55 increments to help pay for a family’s night stay. Families are asked to make a $10 donation to help offset a portion of the expenses; however, 70 percent of the families are unable to afford the nominal contribution. No family is ever turned away for their inability to make the requested donation. The average family stay is two weeks. Share-A-Night contributions make it possible for families to stay at Ronald McDonald House regardless of their financial situation.
To learn more about the Telethon or other RMHC events, contact 778-4300 or visit www.rmhchattanooga.com.