28th Annual Circles of Hope Telethon
The Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse kicked off its 28th Annual Circles of Hope Telethon, Sunday and as of 5:47 p.m. had collected more than $463,000. “I have faith in these people. These are the greatest people on earth, where we are,” said Community Activist ‘Cousin Tuny.’ The telethon faced critical challenges this year as it lost more than $200,000 in federal funding. Organizers said they had no choice but to turn to the community to subsidize the lost. “I believe we can do it. I know we can do it because I know where I am. I know these people,” said ‘Cousin Tuny.’ Organizers said volunteers, counties, corporations and single-donors helped make the event a success. Viewers enjoyed music from local bands. Volunteers and students from Union University helped broadcast the event to the West Tennessee community. “It’s an opportunity for me to get experience, (all) for a good cause,” said Philip Tang, a student and broadcasting major at Union University. Local politicians were present to support the worthy cause. “It makes the public aware and all of us aware of the problem we have with child abuse,” said State Representative Jimmy Eldridge, District 73. To donate go to www.carlperkinscenter.org.
