The Rehab Center celebrated the 23rd Rehab Telethon on Saturday at the Richland Mall. All of the proceeds benefit the Rehab Center which provides audiology services, mental health services, and vocational training.
The Rehab Center is a non-profit comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation center that serves children and adults in the north central Ohio area. Their services also include a community center for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, New Beginnings Recovery Services, Progress Industries, and Precise Service.
Marketing and Development Administrator Sheila York noted that the Rehab Telethon has taken place at the Richland Mall since 1997.
“Our first telethon was in 1992 and that was at the WMFD studio. During that time, we had to pre-record all of our acts,” said York. York shared that once the telethon outgrew the WMFD studio, the event was moved to the Richland Mall.
York also revealed that since 1992, the Rehab Telethon has raised nearly $2 million for the Rehab Center. Event Coordinator of the Rehab Telethon Amanda Zucker explained how important and vital the volunteers are to the success of the telethon.
“This year we have over 300 volunteers that are here helping with the telethon. We couldn’t do this without their help. They are an essential part to the success of this telethon,” said Zucker.
Volunteers Sally Gesouras and Susan Baker have been volunteering at the Rehab Telethon for a number of years. Geosouras said that she has volunteered for ten years and Baker revealed that she has been volunteering for five years.
“It is just incredible to see the amount of people that come together on this day. Everyone is here helping out and giving their time for such a great cause. It really is just wonderful,” said Baker.
“This is such a tremendous day and it so great to see the community giving back and donating to the Rehab Center,” said Gesouras.
Zucker explained that the money that is donated through the telethon helps with providing the services that the Rehab Center have available. “This community is just great with giving back. We have 32 restaurants that have donated food for the volunteers and the restaurants have also donated gift cards to be raffled off. We are so thankful for all of the support,” said Zucker.
Aloys Kamwithi provided some entertainment during the telethon by playing “ngoma” which means drums. “This is my third year coming to the telethon and I enjoy playing here. I try to teach some of the kids that come by how to play and they enjoy it,” said Kamwithi. Kamwithi is an employee through the Catalyst Company.
The Humane Society of Richland County participated at the telethon by hosting an adoption event and offering a bake sale. Board member and volunteer of the Humane Society of Richland County Mike Vetter shared that one dog was adopted during the event.
“This is our second year having an adoption event here and it is a great place because you get a lot of interests in the dogs,” said Vetter.
Live on-air bands, dance groups, vocalists, and magicians performed for the audience. The Ohio Bird Sanctuary was also in attendance. Zucker said that a 50 inch high definition television would be raffled and anyone who donated over $150 was eligible to be drawn in a raffle for a Snow Trails package.
The 2014 Rehab Telethon was sponsored by WMFD, Phillips Mfg. & Tower Co., Inc.- Shelby Welded Tube, Richland Bank, Jay Industries, and Lamar Advertising.
“It is just incredible to see the amount of people that come together on this day. Everyone is here helping out and giving their time for such a great cause. It really is just wonderful,” said volunteer Suan Baker.
