Australian-Media.com.au News

• Telethon 2007 raises 6.5 million dollars to help sick kids

  October 14 2007 9:10pm (UTC+8)  -  Article by Kevin

  
  Channel Seven Perth's annual Telethon has wrapped up for another year having raised a record breaking 6.5 million dollars for the sick children of Western Australia.
  
  Celebrating its 40th year, Telethon is one of the world's longest running and most successful television fundraising events with the money raised supporting children's medical research as well as fund the purchase of new medical equipment.
  
  Broadcast live from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Seven Network personalities from around the country joined local media personalities and performers to keep the state entertained for the 25 hour continuous broadcast on Channel Seven Perth and the Golden West Network.
  
  As the people of Western Australia generously donated their hard earned money to Telethon, the biggest shock of all came from Premier Alan Carpenter who donated the WA Government's usual amount of $100,000 plus an additional $1 million to celebrate Telethon's 40th year.
  
  But that wasn't the end of the surprises. Seven Network boss Kerry Stokes donated a further $1 million from Australian Capital Equity. Only minutes later, Prime Minister John Howard shocked everyone again with his announcement that the Commonwealth Government has donated a further $500,000 to Telethon.
  
  Telethon 2007 included performances by entertainers such as Anthony Callea, Cristian Alexanda, Jade MacRae, Kamahl, Nikki Webster, The Young Divas, Damien Leith, Stuart Wagstaff, Ray Burgess, Normie Rowe, Eran James, CBD, Katie Noonan and Darren Hayes.
  
  Seven Network personalities included Jamie Durie, Ernie Dingo, Sonia Kruger, Andrew O'Keefe, Samantha Armytage, the entire Sunrise cast consisting of David Koch, Melissa Doyle, Natalie Barr, Simon Reeve, Mark Beretta and Monique Wright, and stars from Home and Away, All Saints, The Morning Show and Better Homes and Gardens.
  
  A notable mention must go to Better Homes and Gardens presenter Rob Palmer who left his wife at home with their three day old daughter to come to Perth for Telethon. Palmer and his wife haven't even given their daughter a name as yet!
  
  This year's Telethon home situated in the seaside village of Capricorn at Yanchep was auctioned for $620,000 and is just one of many major fundraising projects to support the successful charity.
  
  In 1968 a group of senior executives from Channel Seven Perth established Telethon, a registered charitable trust dedicated to raising funds to improve the lives of children and young people throughout Western Australia. Since its inception, Telethon has raised over $74 million and provided much needed financial assistance to a significant number of charitable organisations, children's hospitals and research/medical facilities.
  
  Throughout the year, Telethon conducts a range of fun filled, exciting fundraising events and activities culminating in a live 25 hour charity appeal, broadcast from Telethon's home at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, to all corners of the state.
  
  The Telethon weekend celebrates the dedication and commitment of thousands of Western Australians who host events and activities throughout the year to raise money for Telethon. The Telethon weekend event has grown to become the most significant television charity appeal in Australia, in fact, it is regarded as the most successful fundraising event per capita, in the world.
  
  Beneficiaries of Telethon 2007 include Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre, Therapy Focus Inc, Women and Infant's Research Foundation, Fairbridge Western Australia Inc, Torchbearers for Legacy in WA Inc, Cystic Fibrosis Association of Western Australia, "Learn Fire Safety with Jamie", Muscular Dystrophy Association of WA, SAS Resources Trust, Carers Association of WA, Senses Foundation Inc, and Leukaemia Foundation of Western Australia Inc.
  
  In 40 years, people of Western Australia have marked the tradition with performances from both local and overseas talent, ranging from professional dancers to comedy acts. Countless volunteers have staffed the phone rooms, and many television personalities have donated their time and efforts into this great cause.
  
  The final total for Telethon 2007 is $6,527,576 which has absolutely smashed the previous record of $3.2 million only set last year.
  
  Australian-Media.com.au

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