KRCC virtual telethon scheduled

SIKESTON — Plans are underway for the 41st Annual Kenny Rogers Children’s Center Telethon, which will be virtual later this month.

Set for March 22-27, the virtual event offers many ways community members can participate in the fundraising this year.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread, the future has never felt so unpredictable,” said Myka Dockins, clinical coordinator assistant for KRCC and Telethon organizer in a donation request letter. “These are challenging times for us all, and we hope you’re in good spirits and health. Right now, we’re doing everything possible to sustain our daily operations and provide therapy services to children in our community.”

This year the Center’s goal is to raise $350,000.

“While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we know we need to continue to adapt quickly to our changing reality,” Dockins said.

Now, more than ever, the Center needs community support which can be provided in several ways, she said.

For starters, anyone who wants to fund-raise for the Center need to first set a fundraising goal of any amount, Telethon organizers said. The Center then set up the person’s individual fundraising team page and provide them with a simple donation link to share with all your friends and family via text, email and social media.

Individuals can also text “KRCC” to 71777 to make a donation, and a link to make the donation will be texted back to the donor. Donations may also be made at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/KRCC.

Those who are unable to donate at this time can support the Center by sharing their mission with a family or friend or sharing one of KRCC’s social media posts, Telethon organizers said.

Participating in the online auction is another way to help raise funds for the Center. There will be hundreds of items up for bid in the online auction. Individuals will be able to bid from anywhere at anytime on their favorite item. They will receive a notification on their cell phones, too, when you have been outbid. Bidders can sign up anytime by visiting the following link: https://one.bidpal.net/telethon2021/welcome.

Auction items will be available for preview beginning the week of March 15. Bidding will begin on all items at 8 a.m. March 22, and the auction will close at 3 p.m. March 27.

This year the Center has a new partnership with the Tri-County Clowns who are hosting a pick-up only fish fry every Friday during Lent from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Cost is $12 per plate. Contact the Center to get tickets.

A “Jail ‘N’ Bail” fundraiser will also take place with individuals being able to send a friend to KRCC’s “virtual jail.” Once a “bail” is set, fundraising begins. Contact the Center to participate.

T-shirts are also being sold for $15.

Rounding out the week will be the annual Telethon 5K Walk/Run will be March 27. Registration is at 9 a.m. with the 5K starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Center. The fee to enter is $25 with a T-shirt or $20 without a T-shirt. All participants will be entered in a drawing to receive $100 cash.

“In times like this, we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are. Thank you for being part of our community. Without you, none of this is possible.”

For more information, call the Center at 573-472-0397; email at krcc@kennyrogerscenter.org; or visit the website: www.kennyrogerscenter.org.