2012 Christmas Telethon Raises $62,615

The 2012 University of Wisconsin-Platteville Christmas Telethon in support of Wisconsin Badger Camp encouraged viewers to help make the campers fairy tale come true as the student hosts revealed that over $62,000 was raised during the 10-hour live telethon.  All the proceeds of the Telethon will go directly to helping send individuals with developmental disabilities to Wisconsin Badger Camp next summer.

“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 the Christmas Telethon a success. We would like to thank the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Chancellor Shields for their years of dedication to the Christmas Telethon. Thank you to all the students, alumni and Media Technology Services staff who helped make the production possible,” said Brent Bowers, Wisconsin Badger Camp Executive Director.  “Thank you to all of our corporate and community sponsors that gave their support. 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 our campers,” Bowers said.

The theme for this year’s telethon was “Once Upon a Time” and included interviews with University of Wisconsin-Platteville officials, Wisconsin Badger Camp staff, corporate and community sponsors, and of course campers helped convey the importance of community support to Wisconsin Badger Camp. Wisconsin Badger Camp does not receive state or federal funding, which makes every donation that much more important. The day was filled with great talent acts such as carolers, 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 2012.  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 Jaycees, Wisconsin Bank & Trust, Platteville Thrift Shop, Mound City Bank, Century Link, Platteville Elks Lodge #1460, Design Homes, Inc. /Deer Valley Lodge, Livingston State Bank, Pioneer Ford, Platteville Optimists, Wal-Mart, State Theatres and Delta 3 Engineering.. 

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, , J-Paul’s, Cost Cutters, Cuttin’ Up , Marty Busch and Busch Music, Pianos, and Organs, McDonald’s, Milio’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Papa Murphy’s, Quiznos, Subway of Platteville, Dairy Queen, Taco Johns, and Pizza Hut.