The stage may not be set yet, but preparations are well underway for Estevan's annual United Way Telethon that begins early Friday morning, Oct. 18.
The 34-hour event will wind up around 5 p.m. the next day.
Dawn Schell, this year's campaign chairwoman and president, is welcoming everyone to attend the telethon's venue, the Legion Hall, in downtown Estevan any time during the marathon.
I Am the Way is the theme for this year's event, and the financial goal has been set at $350,000, a modest increase over last year's target.
Since 1977, each October has seen United Way board members, volunteers and community participants get together to successfully reach the annual targeted amount.
"It is thanks to the generosity of the people and businesses in our community that United Way Estevan has been able to reach these goals and support its member agencies and community projects," said Schell.
The entire event will be broadcast live on Access Channel 7 with frequent updates on local radio stations.
The telethon will again showcase wonderful local talent, which will include school groups, seniors and church singers as well as dancers, individual vocalists and bands.
The organizers noted that there is still room for entertainers, so anyone interested in lending their talents to the effort is invited to contact the UW at 306-634-7375 or e-mail them at [email protected]
There are a number of committees needed to make the telethon a success year after year. These committees include banking, entertainment, facilities, food services, history, phones, cameras, public relations, production, security and the raffle.
Schell said United Way is grateful to all who have stepped forward to participate in any manner and encourages all groups or individuals who feel they can contribute to contact UW at the above address or phone number.
There are 18 member agencies that benefit from United Way largesse every year and they, in turn, contribute to the community with their particular mandates.
Some of the projects that are assisted by UW are the Hillcrest School Breakfast Club, Day of Caring and the ECS Challenge Day. A complete list of the member agencies that are recipients of financial support from UW may be found on their website, unitedwayestevan.com.
United Way Estevan is a registered charity with 19 current volunteer board members.
The committee members said they are still in need of bid items, as well as entertainers for this year's program. So anyone willing to donate a homemade item for the auction is asked to contact Wendy at 306-421-7124, Christa at 306-461-9465 or Elizabeth at 306-421-2030.
"Please come out and join in the fun and excitement," said Schell.
There is a concession service available throughout the event and UW organizers added that they were issuing an advance thank you to all those who have lent their support in the past and are willing to step up as repeat volunteers this year or are volunteering for the first time. Schell said they were looking forward to working with everyone so that the community can once again enjoy another great and successful UW Telethon.
