Rainbow Connection telethon raises more than $328,000 for disabled, disadvantaged

Staff Reports
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NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ The Tuscarawas Society for Children & Adults, better known as the Rainbow Connection, raised $328,091 at its 51st annual telethon on Sunday, exceeding the amounts raised in the previous two years.

The money goes to help disabled and disadvantaged individuals in Tuscarawas County.

Rainbow Connection Executive Director Perci Garner (left) and volunteers participate in the organization's 51st annual telethon on Sunday.
Rainbow Connection Executive Director Perci Garner (left) and volunteers participate in the organization's 51st annual telethon on Sunday.

“Our community continues to blow us away with the support they provide to their neighbors,” said Rainbow Connection Executive Director Perci Garner. “Every dollar raised through our telethon and auction directly supports those requesting assistance from our organization.”

The telethon raised $306,580 in 2023 and $269,546 in 2022.

During the telethon, Garner and co-host Kevin Fitzgerald of Subway surprised the Tuscarawas County Challenger Baseball organization with the news that ‒ thanks to the winner of an auction item ‒ all members of the team will have the opportunity to attend, see their organization’s name on the scoreboard, and run the bases during the May 19 Cleveland Guardians game against the Minnesota Twins.

The winning auction item included 60 tickets for the Challengers team, $10 concession stand vouchers for players and four tickets for the winning bidder. It sold for $5,000.

Rainbow Connection recently assisted Newcomerstown Middle School with replacing two 30-year-old ovens in their Multi-Handicapped Life Skills class. As a thank you to the organization, the class baked cupcakes to be auctioned off. The 16 chocolate and strawberry cupcakes raised $170 for the organization.

Starlight Enterprises artists Chris Gonter-Dray and Rodney Fuller each donated paintings to the auction, which raised a combined $415.

In addition to Garner and Fitzgerald, the event was hosted by Dover Exchange Club member Shane Gunnoe and Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman of Tusco MFG, Jeff Mathias of Mathias Realty and Wendy’s Chris Lane, and Jan McInturf of McInturf Realty and Steve VanHorn of Simpson Salute Heating and Cooling.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Rainbow Connection raises $328,000 at 51st annual telethon