The United Way Estevan wrapped up one of its most successful telethons ever on Saturday night.
This year's telethon raised a total of $372,290, which was just shy of the previous off-air record of $372,394, set two years ago. The money raised will be directed towards the United Way's 15 member agencies and two community partners.
This year’s goal was $335,000.
President Travis Frank said he couldn’t be happier with how the telethon went.
“Raising over $372,000 is an incredible feat, especially given our economy in the city right now,” said Frank. “We know times aren’t great for everybody.”
People in Estevan know the member agencies have also faced challenges in recent years, and make a difference in the lives of so many people.
“I’ve always that the best years the United Way has ever are years (of adversity),” said Frank. “In 2011, it was one of our best years after the flood.”
The telethon, which was held at the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch, went on air at 8 a.m. on Friday morning. Many donations were received Friday, leaving the United Way with a total of more than $136,000 just before midnight.
Students from the Estevan Comprehensive School took over the telethon during the overnight hours, handling tasks that ranged from hosting to behind-the-scenes work.
The total hovered around $150,000 until early Saturday afternoon, when SaskPower came through with a donation of $123,547.40.
The telethon surpassed its goal just before 2 p.m. A donation worth $80,886.29 from Local 7606 of the United Mine Workers of America and the Westmoreland Coal Company lifted the United Way above its goal.
But the generosity of the community didn’t stop when the United Way reached its goal, and about $17,000 in donations came in during the final three hours. The broadcast ended just before 5 p.m.
Entertainment took place throughout the broadcast, showcasing the musical and acting talents of people in the Estevan area. A total of 85 hand-crafted items were donated for the bid table.
A quilt made by the Hearts and Hands Quilting Guild was raffled off.
Frank said the United Way’s allocations committee will meet once the United Way’s revenues for the year are still known, since businesses and individuals who still want to make donations can do so.
Then the allocations committee will decide which member agencies will receive the surplus revenues.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
