Easterseals Telethon raises $918,649!

The 47th annual Easterseals Telethon ended at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12, with a grand total of $918,649 raised for the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. All proceeds will go towards providing inclusive early education and essential therapy services for Tri-State children and adults with disabilities. Easterseals shared mission stories, recognized supporters, and celebrated the organization’s local impact during the broadcast.

The show aired live on ABC 25/CW 7 from the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center located at 3701 Bellemeade Ave. in Evansville. ABC 25 is the only station in the U.S. covering 100% of production and airtime costs for a local Easterseals Telethon.

During the event, the E’ville Iron Street Rod Club hosted their annual Telethon Cruise-In. The local street rod enthusiasts are among Easterseals’ largest supporters. Additionally, radio stations from Townsquare Media, 99.5 WKDQ, MY 105.3, 103 GBF, KISS 106, Newstalk 1280 AM, 92.5 WBKR, and 1490 AM / 99.1 FM WOMI, broadcasted live from the Telethon throughout the day. Listeners heard exclusive interviews with clients, supporters, and more.

Numerous individuals, businesses, and groups presented checks, while some matched viewers’ pledges. "Pacesetter" volunteers contributed donations collected in advance of the show. Local community members donated at the Kaiser Aluminum "fishbowl," and Easterseals volunteers answered phones to receive pledges throughout the day. Tri-State businesses and groups also competed to raise funds by making calls from the "Dialin’ and Duelin’ for Dollars" call center.

Among many individuals featured on the show were local Easterseals Child Ambassador Eleanor Daywalt and Adult Ambassador Sage Hawkins. Their stories were shared through videos created and donated by "Direction by Newman" in collaboration with ABC 25 and The CW 7.

Mayor Stephanie Terry appeared on the broadcast to declare April 12 as “Easterseals Day” in the City of Evansville. Several individuals, businesses, and organizations featured on the show received Easterseals Mayor’s Awards for their generous support.

The Easterseals Rehabilitation Center serves approximately 5,600 individuals with disabilities from a 31-county area spanning Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. Core services are offered on a sliding fee scale, regardless of ability to pay. All donations remain local to help provide inclusive early education and life-changing therapy services for Tri-State children and adults with disabilities. Community support remains essential to provide services for local individuals with disabilities, regardless of their ability to pay.

The community can continue to support Easterseals after the Telethon by:

• Texting the word "TRANSFORM" to 27126 to donate an amount of your choice.
• Giving securely at any time on our secure donation page.
• Mailing a donation to Easterseals at 3701 Bellemeade Ave., Evansville, IN 47714, or calling 812.479.1411.