PLATTEVILLE — Local businesses, Wisconsin Badger Camp, and the UW–Platteville community are coming together as preparations get under way for the 2012 UW–Platteville Christmas Telethon in support of Wisconsin Badger Camp.
The telethon will be Dec. 1 on cable access TV channels, or streamed online at www.badgercamp.org, from noon to 10 p.m.
The theme of the 39th annual Christmas Telethon is “Once Upon a Time.” The 2012 Telethon will showcase what makes summer camp unique and how it helps individuals from the Tri-State area, specifically Southwest Wisconsin, made possible because of the Telethon and the support of the community.
Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities by providing quality outdoor recreational experiences. During the 2012 camping season, Badger Camp served more than 800 individuals from more than 55 counties in Wisconsin and five other states.
The cost for an individual to attend camp for one week is approximately $800. The requested camp fee is $600. However, many of the campers are on a fixed or limited income, and may not be able to afford the camp fee.
“Wisconsin Badger Camp has never turned a camper away due to their financial situation,” said Brent Bowers, executive director of Wisconsin Badger Camp. “Campers are able to request financial assistance through our Campership Program. Last year the Christmas Telethon raised over $66,200 for the Campership Program, which allows campers to attend camp who might not have been able to otherwise.”
Many area businesses and organizations from the community also help out with the Christmas Telethon. Local businesses donate auction items or goods that substantially contribute to the overall success of the event. Civic organizations throughout Southwest Wisconsin contribute time and money annually to Wisconsin Badger Camp for the Christmas Telethon as well.
To contribute an item to the live auction portion of the Christmas Telethon, contact the Wisconsin Badger Camp office as soon as possible so that we may arrange for the item to be picked up or delivered.
“The Christmas Telethon is truly a community event; it is rewarding to see everyone coming together to help a great cause,” said Wisconsin Badger Camp development/communications director Kayla Smith.
The telethon will be produced in front of a live audience in the basement of Pioneer Tower on the UW–Platteville campus Saturday, Dec. 1 from noon to 10 p.m.
To help with the Telethon or in donating an auction item call Wisconsin Badger Camp, 348-9689, or send your donation to P.O. Box 723, Platteville, WI 53818.
