What is better than Vice-President, Karen Gidderon, dancing in a red dress because we hit the $1,000 mark at Christmas Angel Telethon 2011, than Vice-President & Christmas Angel Telethon Committee Chair, Karen Gidderon dancing in a green dress because we hit our goal of $40,000 at Christmas Angel Telethon 2012?
Why $40,000?
Because that is nearly what it costs to handle the families, senior citizens and shut-ins that are blessed by Christmas Angel Community Center during Christmas. For years Salvation Army has run a great program that made sure that local families had new toys and clothes and food baskets for Christmas. In fact for 27 years the Neighbors in Need Program provided those funds, but due to program changes in 2011, that is not happening anymore and it is time to step up and help a church that not only feeds families during Christmas but serves over 300 hot, balanced lunches every Monday through Friday to people right here in Kelso-Longview, and anyone who shows up to the Longview/Kelso Temple Corps. during lunchtime. Not only does Salvation Army feed people nearly everyday, but they offer a plethora of social services in addition to church programs that build character in children, youth, adults and senior citizens.
Right now we are glad to have Lonnie Knowles and Karen Gidderon as our hosts (we are working hard to find a replacement for Bryan Calhoun, who isn’t available this year). We are excited to start the show with Carl Wirkkala and The Drifters Moon Band and love to hear from local artists who want to fill the rest of the 24 hour telethon that streams live at CowlitzChristmasAngel.com if you can’t make to The Longview Fraternal Order of Eagles at 1526 12th Ave in Longview, who not only were gracious enough to lend us their place last year, but are excited to have the show there this year too!
Several local businesses have donated services to keep program costs down including:
- Cascade Networks who have donated the datapad that allows us commercial grade internet access to make streaming better.
- Copies Today Speedy Litho who have given us amazing prices for printing.
- Exclaim Media, LLC who has donated the Video PSA, Website & Graphic Design Services.
- Music and More Productions/Tent City Rentals who has donated sound equipment and more.
We are still looking at costs to have the PSA on cable and ads in the local papers…Click here to learn how you can help.
We are also looking for all kinds of people to help the night go smoothly…like stage hands, production specialists, greeters, bell ringers and more! Check out CowlitzChristmasAngel.com for our planning meeting times and to pick your spot to perform or offer your meaningful donation during an interview with one of our dynamic hosts.
In the words of our Vice-President, Karen Gidderon, “Grab your meaningful donation and get your groove on at the Christmas Angel Telethon where there is something for everybody!”
