2016 Children’s Miracle Network Telethon Frequently Asked Questions: Check Presenters & Phone Bank Volunteers
What is Telethon? The Telethon is an annual fundraiser held every May or June on WGAL-TV8. During the Telethon, the hosts encourage viewers to make a donation. This year, we hope to raise $250,000 to support equipment, research, and patient programs at Penn State Children’s Hospital.
Also during the Telethon, Miracle Families share their stories and our top corporate/community partners are recognized for their financial support in the past year. These funds, and the funds raised through phone pledges, are continuously added to the Telethon Toteboard. At the end of the Telethon, we announce the total money Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital raised during the 2015-2016 fundraising year.
When is the Telethon? The 2016 Telethon will air Saturday, June 4 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Telethon also airs Sunday, June 5 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where is the Telethon? The Telethon venue is WITF Public Media Center at 4801 Lindle Road in Harrisburg, but it is broadcast on WGAL-TV8. Directions to WITF.
What should I expect when I arrive? You will check-in at registration in the main WITF lobby and then be escorted to the VIP room. At the appropriate time, a volunteer will escort you to the set. Light refreshments will be available.
What should I wear? Some people dress casual, while others wear suits. However, most phone bank volunteers and check presenters wear apparel with their company/organization logo. Avoid all white or very busy patterns as they do not show up well on camera.
Why do I have to arrive an hour early for phone bank training? We need to account for each phone bank volunteer as quickly as possible so we can find replacements if necessary. We ask that each volunteer undergo training so that pledge forms are completed accurately, even if you’ve served as a phone bank volunteer in previous years. Also, live television is unpredictable, and you may be escorted to the set earlier than you had expected based on the timing of the broadcast.
How do I know what our check total should be? For some groups who do many fundraisers, it may be confusing to determine what your Toteboard check total should be. For national CMN sponsors, it’s the total money raised in the 2015 calendar year, however other groups present checks for the total money raised since the last Telethon. If you’re unsure, please contact Kate Severs in the Children’s Miracle Network office at 717-531-6606 or [email protected].
Do I present the actual check at the Telethon? No. Many groups create and present “mock” oversized checks that are easily visible on camera. We have oversized checks that you may fill out and use once you arrive at the Telethon. Please mail us any actual checks before the event. (Children’s Miracle Network, 90 Hope Drive, Suite 1103, Hershey, PA 17033) What am I supposed to say during the check presentation? Your check presentation will last 1-3 minutes. The hosts will ask you very general questions about how the money was raised and why you support Children’s Miracle Network. You can also choose to talk about an upcoming CMN event.
How many people can present the check? Because space on the set is very limited, no more than two people can present a check.
Which host will accept my check? A volunteer in the VIP room can confirm which WGAL host is scheduled to accept your check, however the host could change at the last minute.
Could the telethon be cancelled because of weather or other reasons? If there is a severe weather, breaking news situation, or a sporting event (like the French Open) runs past its allotted time, the Telethon will be pre-empted by WGAL’s news broadcast. Should this occur, we re-group and do our best to make sure all check presentations occur after the Telethon broadcast resumes. We will continuously keep you updated and ask for your flexibility as we adjust to a new schedule.
What if I need to cancel? Should you need to cancel for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. Contact Allison Mason via cell at 717- 877-6347.
What is a Miracle Maker pledge? It’s an ongoing monthly pledge of 30 dollars or a one-time pledge of $360. Monthly pledges will continue until the donor requests that we stop. If a donor chooses, they can select an end date at the time of the call. Each Miracle Maker will receive one Telethon t-shirt that was designed by a Miracle Child. You’ll often hear the Telethon hosts ask for a Miracle Maker pledge. However, all donations are gladly accepted and help us reach our goal.
What are other ways I can support the Telethon? 1. Tell everyone you know about the Telethon! Post information on Facebook or Twitter, email your friends and family. Contact us if you’re willing to post flyers in your workplace.
2. Set up a Telethon online fundraising page! In just a few minutes, you can create your own, personalized fundraising page online and then invite your family, friends and colleagues to donate. To get started, visit http://www.pennstatehersheycmn.org/event/Telethon2016 Thank you for helping to make miracles happen!