2009 TELETHON PHOTOS
Poster child Brylee Thornburgh gets a teddy bear from Rotarian Charley Stevens |
MHS Symphonic Choirs |
Tiger Cubs Choir |
 Greenfield Eagles once again showed up big at the telethon, donating more than $12,000 to the cause! |
 Dancers show off their moves at 2009 telethon |
Susan Long accompanies Dianna Coffey on "Moon River" |
 The Strolling Tones (Ron Coffey, Jay Harmount, Paul Orr, Mike Anderson) serve up a barbershop tune |
McClain student Terry Staten lends his musical talents to the telethon |
Emcees Bill Requardt and Eric Zint |
Highland County Society
for Children and Adults: People Helping People
Eagles soar with big contributions at annual HCSCA telethon!
Despite the economic downturn, area residents turned out to support the Highland County Society for Children and Adults at the 37th annual telethon March 24, tallying pledges exceeding $144,700 countywide and $21,000 in Greenfield.
As they have done in past years, businesses, organizations and individuals joined forces to support the organization whose mission is “People Helping People.”
Sponsored jointly by the Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs, the telethon has raised more than $2.4 million since its inception in 1973. All proceeds help the HCSCA fill in the gaps for families and individuals struggling to pay bills and expenses due to an illness or medical limitation.
"We had been really worried with the hard economic times that the county is going through, but we're so pleased with this amount," HCSCA Director Gayle Coss said. "It's Highland County people helping Highland County people. I've watched with amazement for 16 years now as the people in this county come together every year for those in need. It's inspiring."
The telethon was held at NCB in Hillsboro and at McClain High School in Greenfield. It was aired live on WCHO FM 105.5, WVNU FM 97.5 and the public access cable television channels in both communities.
In both communities the Eagles organizations soared with big contributions to the HCSCA. Of the $21,000 raised in Greenfield, the Eagles provided $12,000, including $8,000 raised at their annual Bike Rally for motorcycle enthusiasts. Eagles Dick Fagan and Ed Wilson announced that the 2009 Bike Rally will take place on July 11.
“The Eagles are a very strong supporter of the society; they support us every year with a large donation,” said Barb Barton, Greenfield telethon committee member.
Likewise, Hillsboro Eagles came through in a big way with $15,000 in donations.
"During such hard financial times for people, we've lost some corporate sponsors, and once again it's the private citizen digging into their pocket to help a neighbor," Coss said. "I'm pleased. It's a hard time for everyone but they came through. I'm always amazed that this town on the edge of Appalachia does so much."
Highlights of the Greenfield telethon included local musical and dancing talent. Some of the performers who donated their time and talents included the McClain High School Symphonic Choir, the Tiger Cubs Choir, Dianna Coffey and Susan Long, Meagan Haines, Terry Staten and the Strolling Tones.
The 2009 poster child, two-year-old Brylee Thornburgh, visited the GCTV-3 studios with her family for an interview. Brylee, who has Down Syndrome, has benefited from the HCSCA and has been an inspirational poster child for the society. Rotarian Charley Stevens presented her with a large pink teddy bear in appreciation of her efforts.
Hillsboro Rotary President Jim Lyle said he was thankful for the support of the community.
"We knew going in that due to the economy, this total would be lower than last year. But people in Highland County have always come forward, even in tough times. They surprise you," he said. "I'm proud of the citizens of this county tonight."
"We really showed our colors tonight," said Hillsboro Rotarian Ernie Blankenship after the telethon. "It's about love and care for the people in this community. I'm extremely happy, especially considering the state of the economy. This is a tremendous show of love and support. I've said many times, don't ever question the people in this community. And once again, they've shown their resolve tonight."
The money raised in the telethon stays in the county by providing assistance and health services to Highland County residents who need help paying for expenses for necessary medical treatment, transportation to hospitals, health equipment and devices. It also operates a free equipment loan closet providing items such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs and crutches, to name a few.
“The Greenfield Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who helped out with the telethon by working on the air or behind the scenes, the entertains, Mr. Bill Lee and his staff of GCTV-3 and especially everyone who donated to make the telethon a success,” said Barb Barton, who coordinated the Greenfield telethon.
“I want to say thank you so much to the residents of Highland County,” said Gayle Coss. “This is going to help so many people who are really in need. There's just so many people out there who are in such really sad situations, you just don't realize how many there are. It always humbles me the way this county reaches down in their pockets every single year.”
Even though the telethon is now history, it's never too late to donate. To contribute, contact any Rotary Club member or financial institution in Greenfield or Hillsboro, or mail a check or money order to Highland County Society for Children and Adults, 149 E. Main St., Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.