KRCC telethon helps miracles to happen

The annual Kenny Rogers Children's Center Telethon rolls around again this weekend and from the looks of it, this may be the biggest and best telethon yet.

Area residents need to fully appreciate the efforts that go into making this annual telethon such a success.

And tell me of another event in this region that will raise $400,000 literally overnight!

I have had the privilege of chairing this telethon for a number of years. I well remember the Sunday afternoon in the early 1990s when the telethon topped the $100,000 mark for the very first time. In all honesty, we never imagined that the event would ever top that magical number again.

But then the following year and for many years thereafter, the amount raised continued to climb each year.

That is first and foremost a recognition of the marvelous work that goes on at the Center. But it's also a glowing tribute to the generosity of this region.

By now you surely know the history of the Center. Regardless of the financial circumstances of the children, no child is ever turned away from the Center.

Those youngsters with developmental delays are provided therapy that will help them to forge new and independent lives.

If you don't believe in miracles, I suggest you visit the Center. Or simply watch the telethon.

It's impossible to list all of the activities available at the telethon this weekend but suffice to say, there is something for everyone and every age.

Visit the Sikeston High School Fieldhouse and catch the spirit. And yes, if you can, donate what you can to continue to make dreams come true.

The telethon is about raising funds to assure that no child will go without much-needed treatment.

But the real story behind the telethon is the chance to tell the stories of the children who had their lives changed by the caring hands at the Center.

It's a story worth telling and, more importantly, a story worth hearing.