40th Annual Christmas Telethon was a HUGE Success!

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 40^th 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.