Rainbow Connection Prepares for 53rd Annual Telethon

Rainbow Connection’s 53^rd annual telethon is live Sunday, March 08 at 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School.

“It’s hard to believe that this is already my sixth telethon,” said Executive Director Perci Garner. “My time here at Rainbow has been amazing and that’s thanks in large part to the strong board that supports me and our Communications Director Amanda Lutze. I really wish our donors could see the impact their contributions make every day, and we work really hard during our telethon to try to make that happen.”

The organization’s telethon can be watched on Spectrum Channel 15, YouTube, and at tuscrainbow.org. The schedule and a list of on-air guests will be posted to Rainbow Connection’s social media accounts. Pledges can be made by calling 330.343.1600 during the telethon.

“All the money raised during our telethon and auction is returned directly to our community through our casework,” said Executive Director Perci Garner. “Every year, we are amazed by the support Tuscarawas County gives to their neighbors, and we just can’t thank them enough.”

Rainbow Connection also hosts an online auction at tuscrainbow.org to support their mission. Bidding opens Sunday, March 1 at 3 p.m. and ends Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.

“I could talk about our auction items all day,” Garner said. “Our auction committee and donors really went above and beyond this year. We have so many great getaways, including one for 2 nights in Asheville, NC. The Columbus Clippers gifted our winning bidder a ceremonial first pitch plus box seats.”

“We have gorgeous artwork, jewelry and furniture and gift baskets from so many wonderful local businesses,” said Garner. “There are multiple golf packages and great dining opportunities. We have over 90 items this year, so there is definitely something for everyone.”

Multiple salons, bars, and restaurants throughout Tuscarawas County are currently “Building the Rainbow” and allow patrons to make donations at their locations. The total raised from these locations will be announced live during the telethon. These include Pointe Dining, Limby’s Restaurant, Ricardo’s Grill & Lounge, Shenanigans, Bud & Tooties, Dover Eagles, and T&K Tavern. Donations are also accepted at the Rainbow Connection office,119 3^rd St. NW New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or at tuscrainbow.org.

During the February board meeting, Rainbow Connection approved assistance to twenty-seven households for support with medical and dental bills, prescriptions, hearing aids, communication devices, and medical supplies. Claymont Schools also was approved for school equipment to assist hearing-impaired students in the classroom.

Rainbow Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health charity dedicated to assisting Tuscarawas County’s disabled and disadvantaged and the schools and organizations that support them. If you or someone you know needs assistance with health or medical expenses, contact Rainbow Connection at 330.343.8686 or info@tuscrainbow.org.