Coats for the Children Telethon Brings in $85,500

WRAL-TV filled its studios with volunteers and staffers for the 17th Annual Coats for the Children Telethon.

WRAL-TV’s 17th Annual Coats for the Children Telethon will go down in history as a huge success. Held on Friday, December 9, 2005, the day-long event raised $85,500, close to $12,000 more than last year’s total. All funds will go directly to the Salvation Army to purchase new winter coats and clothing for children in need.

WRAL considers this accomplishment even greater because it comes during a year when we have asked our viewers to support Tsunami, Katrina and Ophelia relief efforts. The amount raised says a lot about the generosity of our community.

WRAL-TV’s Mark Roberts takes a break from traffic to ask viewers to give.

WRAL-TV’s Phillip Boyd coordinates from behind the scenes.

Volunteers manned phone banks all day long, taking donations from viewers.

Special incentives offered throughout the telethon this year also brought in big donations. WRAL-TV Anchor Bill Leslie & his Lorica musical group played live during the 12:30pm telethon program and offered 20 of their “Christmas in Carolina” CDs as thank you gifts for specific donations throughout the day. In fact, they helped WRAL raise $1,870 in just 30 minutes! And a big thanks goes to CrossRoads Ford; Tom Smith presented a $10,000 check during the 7pm special!

WRAL-TV’s Bill Leslie (right) & his musical group Lorica performed for the 12:30pm special & helped raise funds by donating some of his Christmas CDs.

WRAL-TV’s Anchors Pam Saulsby (left) & David Crabtree playfully banter as they encourage viewers to call in.

The telethon was a huge success, but it’s still not too late to help. WRAL-TV will be collecting new or “gently used” coats and other winter garments at our studios, as well as at any Jiffy Lube or Capital Bank location, through the end of December. WRAL-FM also has a collection barrel at its studios on Hillsborough Street. Viewers can also make financial donations through December 31st by going to WRAL.com and clicking on the Coats logo.