2013 Christmas Telethon is a
Huge
Success
The 2013 University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Christmas Telethon in support of Wisconsin Badger Camp encouraged viewers to
help make the event “A Night to Remember.” The audience and viewers did just
that, as the student hosts revealed that the 10-hour live telethon had raised
$71,545! All of the proceeds of the Telethon will go directly to helping send
individuals with developmental disabilities to Wisconsin Badger Camp next
summer.
The 40th Annual Christmas
Telethon proved to be a very special night as this year’s Telethon raised $71,545
for Wisconsin Badger Camp. “This year’s total would not be possible if it
weren’t for all of the support from the surrounding communities,” said
Development Director, Kayla Leibfried.
“On behalf of the Wisconsin Badger Camp
Board of Directors, staff, and most importantly the campers, we would like to
thank everyone for helping make this year’s Christmas Telethon truly ‘A Night
to Remember.’ We would like to thank the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
and Chancellor Shields for their years of dedication to the Christmas Telethon.
We are always so impressed by the energy and enthusiasm that the students,
alumni and Media Technology Services staff brings to the day of the event.
Without their commitment and dedication to the Telethon, the Christmas Telethon
would not be possible,” said Brent Bowers, Wisconsin Badger Camp Executive
Director. “We are incredibly grateful for all of the corporate and
community sponsors that chose to support the event and the live auction would
not have been possible without the generous donations from all the local
businesses, sports teams, and celebrities. We appreciate all the viewers who
tuned in as well as everyone who joined us in person making a pledge or bidding
on an auction item. It is incredible to see so many people come together to
help send our campers to camp,” Bowers said.
The theme for this year’s telethon was
“A Night to Remember” and included interviews with University of
Wisconsin-Platteville staff, Wisconsin Badger Camp staff, corporate and
community sponsors, volunteers, and of course campers. Wisconsin Badger Camp
does not receive state or federal funding, which makes every donation that much
more important. The day was filled with great local talent acts such as
jugglers, dancers, and live music which entertained viewers at home as well as
a live audience. All of the talent volunteered their time to be part of
this community event.
Wisconsin Badger Camp
is an independent nonprofit organization located approximately 10 miles south
of Prairie du Chien which served over 900 individuals with developmental
disabilities in 2013. Providing outdoor recreational experiences such as
fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, and arts & crafts,
Wisconsin Badger Camp brings a tradition of outdoor recreational experiences to
people of any ability or age regardless of their financial situation.
Badger Camp relies heavily on the community’s time, talent, and financial
support to provide for its campers. If you or someone else you know would
like more information on how to get involved, please call the Platteville
office at (608) 348-9689 or visit our website at: www.badgercamp.org.
Telethon Corporate and
Community Sponsors Include: University of Wisconsin-Platteville, The Grant and
Iowa County Tavern League, Faherty Inc, TUBB CLUBB, Platteville Thrift Shop,
Mound City Bank, Century Link, Platteville Elks Lodge #1460, Design Homes,
Inc., Livingston State Bank, Weber Paper Co., Platteville Optimists, Wal-Mart,
Colony Brands, Inc., Les Mack Automotive, Pioneer Property Management, and
Culver’s.
Badger Camp would also
like to recognize businesses that donated services and made donations the day
of the Telethon to support the Telethon staff and volunteers: Bridal Boutique,
Marty Busch and Busch Music, Pianos, and Organs, McDonald’s, Milio’s, Kentucky
Fried Chicken, Papa Murphy’s, Quiznos, Subway of Platteville, Jeff’s Mini Mart,
Dairy Queen, Taco Johns, Jimmy Johns, and Pizza Hut.
