Update: Circle of Hope Telethon raises $1.5 million
JACKSON, Tenn. — For almost four decades, one organization has been raising funds. Organizers say is important in helping children and families here in West Tennessee.
The 39th Annual ‘Circles of Hope’ telethon seen Sunday on WBBJ-TV, ABC 7 has officially come to a close and with big results.
Last year the telethon was able to bring in more than $1.4 million to help children and families in West Tennessee affected by child abuse..
This year, hopes were high as everyone worked passionately to exceed that amount.
Pam Nash, president and CEO of the Exchange Club/Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, is excited after watching West Tennesseans give from their hearts and wallets.
“We have just completed the 39th Annual ‘Circles of Hope’ telethon and we broke all records,” said Nash.
In fact, the organization raised $1,541,412.
Nash not only thanked volunteers for their hard work, But also West Tennesseans who made their contributions to the center.
“We just want to thank everyone in West Tennessee, our volunteers, board, Exchange Club, donors. We could not do this without you all, and you are truly changing lives and making life better for so many children,” said Nash.
Trey Cleek, president of the Jackson Exchange Club said even though the telethon has come to a close, the affects of this year’s telethon will be far-reaching.
“The center has over 80 professional staff members across West Tennessee. We service every county except for Shelby. This
will allow us to keep having that meaningful impact in the lives of the children of West Tennessee, especially the ones that we serve,” said Cleek.
Leaders with the Exchange Club/Carl Perkins Center say they will continue taking donations. Even the telethon may have ended. the need has not.
Original story:
JACKSON, Tenn. –An annual fundraiser for one local organization returns with the not only the goal of raising funds. Its mission is to help children and families secure hope.
Wbbj-7 Eyewitness news takes us behind the scenes to the Circles of Hope Telethon.
The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, conducted its annual telethon at the Carl Perkins Civic Center today.
With the need for children and families all throughout the West TN area increasing, the funds are needed in order for those needs to be met.
Chairperson of the Board for the Carl Perkins Center, Kayla Taylor tells us why having the telethon is essential for West TN to give monetarily.
“The telethon brings awareness to all of West Tennessee because it’s a public event. WBBJ puts this live on air, it’s just a great way for people to understand what the Carl Perkins Center does and how it’s intricately involved with families across the entire West Tennessee area,” Taylor said.
Pam Nash, President/CEO of the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, shares her hopes in surpassing the previous year’s total.
“Last year, we raised $1,414,000. And our goal is to hopefully beat that. But you know that the community in West Tennessee have been so giving and supporting the center in so many ways. So, I’m sure that they’re going to reach out and help us again today,” Nash said.
With such a big goal it is important to focus on the why. Trey Cleek, President of the Jackson Exchange Club, reminds us why it is important to give towards helping West Tennessee families.
“Our staff conducted over 1,000 forensic interviews last year, our staff helped serve almost 4,000 children in West Tennessee last year, almost 7,000 total individuals because we also service their family members. And as Miss Nash reminded us our services are free. And that’s why these fundraisers like the Circle of Hope Telethon are so important to our center,” Cleek said.
The telethon is still going on on our sister station , WBBJ ABC 7 until 6 Sunday evening.
You still have time to make a pledge, to make a difference in the lives of children and families across West Tennessee.
