The holidays are a magical season sparkling with the promise that the hopes and dreams of everyone—especially those facing hardship—can come true.
Plum Borough School District has a robust tradition of generosity that is changing lives. Since 2000, PBSD has hosted a telethon to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania & West Virginia and bring tidings of comfort and joy to children battling illness. This year, instructor Rick Berrott and his students will celebrate the district’s 25th consecutive year of its annual telethon and efforts to make wishes come true and hope to exceed $1.25M in earned donations since starting the initiative.
In what is truly a collaborative undertaking, each school across the district hosts their own Make-A-Wish fundraisers throughout the fall. They report on these efforts in a video recap that is aired during various segments of the telethon. The district’s efforts are spearheaded by Mr. Berrott, Plum Senior High School Television Production teacher and Plum community resident who hosts the telethon in the high school’s television studio.
A dynamic 12-hour event in which the Television Production III students broadcast live for two days as the donations pour in. The telethon will feature over 100 special guests throughout broadcast, including local celebrities, news media, professional athletes, and district administrators. Guests share holiday cheer and discuss festive topics, including favorite holiday traditions and most meaningful gifts received.
The telethon has a rich legacy in Plum. Over many years, wish kids and students who are now grown and professionals come back to participate in the telethon.
According to Mr. Berrott, December 22 and 23 will be the longest days of the school year, but it’s by far the best. “It’s like our Super Bowl and it goes by so fast,” said Mr. Berrott. “Having produced the telethon for so long, we get to see Wish Kids grow up and begin to participate, or previous students that are now professionals come back to contribute and be telethon guests. It is an incredibly life-affirming experience." Berrott says, “It is a win-win for everyone. Make-A-Wish wins because of the money we raised that goes towards wishes, and the Television Production students win because of the skills they learn in producing a live twelve-hour show!”
Since premiering in 2000, the district has donated $1.19 million to Make-A-Wish and has funded countless magical moments for children overcoming profound circumstances.
Some of the funds raised are managed in an endowment, making it possible to fulfill the wishes of community members in perpetuity. Every Make-A-Wish need that emerges in the Plum community and beyond can now be sponsored and funded. In recent years, funds have transformed the lives of children battling unimaginable challenges, including:
Natalie, an artistic and creative nine-year-old girl in Tarentum, PA who is diagnosed with a respiratory disorder, was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she got to snorkel, kayak, and meet dolphins.
Calvin is a five-year-old boy from Cheswick, PA who is diagnosed with a nervous system disorder, now has an indoor play-place in his basement where he can safely get out his energy when he is homebound.
Christopher, a 12 year-old who has a spinal cord injury that impacts his mobility, now has a home-theater system to make the large amount of time he spends at home truly remarkable.
Libby was given a mini labradoodle puppy to be a constant companion in her health struggles. Simple tasks, such as filling her puppy’s water bowl, are now part of Libby’s occupational therapy.
“Reaching the 25-year milestone of this telethon is truly extraordinary,” said Judith Stone, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania & West Virginia. “Few events have the staying power and generosity this one has shown- raising more than $1 million over the years to bring life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses. This is a testament to the tireless efforts of these students, infused with Rick’s unwavering passion, commitment and expertise. We’re deeply grateful for everyone who has kept this tradition alive for a quarter of a century.”
No comments:
Post a Comment