MANSFIELD – One of the area’s longest running fundraisers returns on Saturday seeking to break new records.
The Catalyst Rehab Telethon kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 4 at noon in the Richland Mall. Now in its 26th year, the telethon has been around since 1992 to help ensure the Rehab Center can continue to provide services to people living with disabilities throughout North Central Ohio.
According to head organizer Melissa Drozda, the telethon raised a record $113,786 last year, and topped $100,000 two years prior to that. Every dollar raised goes towards helping those in the community most in need.
“Catalyst Life Services does so much for the community that I really don’t know what most of our clients or people that use our services would do if we weren’t here,” Drozda said. “This is the way for us to raise money to help people access those services that otherwise couldn’t access them. To me, these are really important services that a lot of people need, whether physical health or mental health or addiction.”
Drozda noted the money raised at Saturday’s telethon goes into services provided by The Rehab Center, a community-driven center that focuses on the mental, physical, and spiritual wellness of its clients. The Rehab Center’s services include mental health screening and treatment for children and adolescents, audiology and Deaf services.
“Basically it goes into a general telethon account, and when people need help accessing those services, finance will put in a request for them,” Drozda explained. “This helps with people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access those services. A lot of time there are gaps that needs filled, and that’s what this money funds.”
The theme of this year’s telethon is “Be A Catalyst,” coinciding with a new social media campaign launched by Catalyst Life Services. The meaning of the theme is twofold, helping the public understand The Rehab Center as part of Catalyst Life Services while also providing a call-to-action.
“We’re encouraging people in the community to think about their purpose and what they’re a catalyst for,” Drozda said. “We’re also encouraging people to make their own videos and post them to social media.”
Two hashtags will be in use throughout Saturday’s telethon, #ImACatalyst and #RehabTelethon. Drozda said social media activity is encouraged, with Richland Source managing the telethon’s social media throughout the day.
The Catalyst Rehab Telethon will be broadcasted live from noon to 9 p.m. on WMFD-TV, with live entertainment and family-friendly activities available at the Richland Mall all day. Activities include face painting, visits from the Ohio Bird Sanctuary and Gorman Nature Center, and entertainment includes Miss Ohio Alice Magoto, The Trio, and the Richland School of Academic Arts.
Pledges can be made during the Telethon on Feb. 6 by calling 419-529-5200. Make a pledge any time by calling 419-756-1133 or visiting www.catalystlifeservices.org/donations. All proceeds will benefit The Rehab Center.
“It’s a really fun event to see the mall transform into this live telethon,” Drozda said. “It’s a full day of fun activities.”
