Tuscarawas County Supports Rainbow Connection at Record-Breaking Telethon

During Sunday’s telethon, the Tuscarawas Society for Children & Adults (better known as Rainbow Connection) broke their fundraising record, raising more than $368,000 to help the area’s disabled and disadvantaged individuals and the schools and organizations who serve them. 

“Every dollar raised through our telethon and auction exclusively supports those requesting assistance from our organization,” said Executive Director Perci Garner. “The support we receive every year is proof that Tuscarawas County is full of people who care about their neighbors.” 

"We’ve seen a substantial increase in our casework,” Garner continued. “The outpouring of support from our community and their ability to dig deeper and give more year after year is overwhelming.” 

Garner has been hosting the Telethon and serving as the agency’s Executive Director since December 2020, raising nearly $1.9 million for the agency since then. Total donations during Garner’s tenure are: 

2026 - $368,538.07 

2025 - $352,503.13 

2024 - $328,091.66 

2023 - $306,580.30 

2022 - $269,546.00 

2021 - $272,263.77 

The five-hour fundraiser hosted Sunday, March 8 at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School featured many community guests and organizations, including: 

• Julie Adelman from ECOESC presenting equipment from the Tuscarawas County Lending Library for Related Service Providers. Rainbow Connection assisted in the creation of this library of medical equipment and assistive and sensory devices available to all Tuscarawas County schools; 
  

• Tuscarawas Central Catholic Principal Jenn Calvo who discussed their new smartboard courtesy of the art contest as well as their support of the telethon every year supplying the venue for the Rainbow Connection.
  

• Winners of the organization’s Telethon Art Contest—Aubrey Reynolds, 4th Grade, Strasburg; Makayla Bickford, 9th grade, TCC; Jaiden Garvin, Kindergarten, Dover; and Isaiah Hart, 5th Grade, Dover. Unable to attend were grand prize winner Brisa Gonzalez-Rodriguez, TCC, 9th grade; Jordan Cheng, 9th Grade, TCC; Airabella Christner, 8th grade, Newcomerstown; Hallie Conley, 8th grade, Newcomerstown; Myla Jacobs, 2nd grade, Indian Valley; and Raul Sanchez, 7th Grade, TCC. 
  

• Representatives from Starlight Enterprises and Ohio’s Hospice who donated items to the organization’s auction; 
  

• Students from Claymont City Schools and New Philadelphia Central Elementary presented money raised for Rainbow Connection; 
  

• Matt Carpenter from Strasburg-Franklin Schools discussed a soon-to-be-installed sensory room that the organization received from Rainbow Connection; 
  

• Vocalists from Tusky Valley’s 5th and 6th grade classes under the direction of Deanna Zesiger sang a medley of Lean on Me and Don’t Stop Believing; 
  

• A video featuring colorblind students from Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School who received corrective glasses from Rainbow Connection; 
  

• Chris Pleska and Andrew Burrell presented information about a Leadership Tuscarawas project they are completing for Rainbow Connection; 
  

• Thank you messages from members of Rainbow Connection’s casework aired; 
  

• An In Memorial video for Rainbow Connection supporters aired. Auction items in memory of these individuals—Brenda Furbay, Bob Sensel, Joanne Sullie, Holly Robin, and Karen Kuhn—were also included. 
  

• Community members—Pam Sprowls and Mike Stokey—who created community events to raise additional funds for the organization spoke about their efforts; 
  

• Rainbow Connection board member Chona Kinsey, volunteer Alexis Kuhn, and Baker Florist’s Dalene Baker delivered $4,211.75 raised by area restaurants and bars through the sale of “Building the Rainbow” cards. 
  

Rainbow Connection holds an online auction each year in tandem with their telethon. In addition to featuring more than 100 items donated by local individuals and businesses, the auction also included five Rainbow Items.  

“These items detail the work we do and let members of our community donate with a specific project in mind,” Garner said. “We were happy to feature the safe sleep swaddles, emergency alert devices, long-term prescription assistance, and accessibility equipment for schools. These Rainbow Items alone raised nearly $1,500.00.” 

In addition to Garner, the event was hosted by WJER’s Michelle Spring; Dover Exchange Club’s Shane Gunnoe and McInturf Realty’s Jan McInturf; Wendy’s Chris Lane and Rainbow Connection Chairman’s Circle Sponsor Matt Ritzert; and TuscoMFG’s Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman and Howard Hanna Real Estate Service’s Jeff Mathias. Former Executive Director Carmel Haueter closed out the show with Garner. 

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.