WRAL-TV Hosts Telethon For UCP

Star Fest 2001 raised over $230,000 to help UCP.

On Sunday, January 21, WRAL-TV held the 31st Annual Star Fest telethon for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Star Fest 2001 aired from 1:00-7:00pm with over 120 volunteers and guests joining to help raise over $230,000 for UCP of North Carolina. WRAL-TV anchors and retired anchor Charlie Gaddy hosted the afternoon event. Performers included singer Mike Cross, latino music band

Amateur Radio Operators gave $800 for UCP. (L to R) back row: Bob Lukeszewski & Chuck Wright, front row: Kyle Leshko, Frank Lynch & WRAL Anchor Mark Roberts.

Dr. Josh Alexander (left) spoke with WRAL Health Reporter Dr. Allen Mask about the special needs in UCP centers throughout North Carolina.

John Patrone (left), owner of a Jersey Mike's franchise, presented Dr. Allen Mask with a check for $1,500.

Health South supervisers Jim Swann & Teresa Craven challenged their employees to give. They presented a $4,100 to Mark Roberts.

Mark Roberts (right) interviews John Patrone as he works the phone bank.

WRAL-TV Reporter Yvonne Simons reports on Star Fest's progress in the midst of the volunteers working the phone bank.

WRAL-TV has broadcast and produced Star Fest since its inception in 1969. The 2001 telecast was actually to be the 32nd telecast of Star Fest, but last January the historic snow of 2000 caused the cancellation of the event.

UCP of North Carolina is one of over 130 affiliates in the national UCP organization and serves individuals with disabilities and their families across the state. A non-profit agency, UCP-NC is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and an Executive Director. UCP-NC currently provides services in 26 of the 100 North Carolina counties.

According to the national UCP, "It is estimated that some 500,000 children and adults in the United States manifest one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Currently, about 5,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year. In addition, some 1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are recognized each year to have cerebral palsy."