FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Annie Hendricks, 437-8059 x1

COMMUNITY PROVIDES Overwhelming Support for CSF Telethon

The final Telethon tally reported by CMS Team Tote members was a record breaking $118,735, exceeding the 2006 record by more than 10%.  Back row from left: Senior Hosts Scott Shepherd, Kylie Cusick, Lauren Metzger & Matt Oakley; Celebrity hosts Bill Sandke &Jane Mitchell; Senior Host Danielle Eckert & Roving Reporter Fred Eckert; Telethon Chair Sue Shirey, CSF President Toni Aden, Vice President Jeff Kob, and Executive Director Patty Cowan.  Front row, CMS Team Tote members.  (Photo by Joseph Scott Photography)

CORONADO – April 4 -- The 19th Annual Coronado Schools Foundation Telethon presented by Time Warner Cable last Wednesday night brought in both record funds and viewer ship with donations raised by the non-profit foundation benefiting the five public schools in the Coronado Unified School District. “It was an amazing night with 45 acts showcasing our talented students and teachers as we celebrated 50 years of music,” commented Foundation President Toni Aden. “Kids loved walking on the Foundation President’s set ‘Sonny and Cher’ to make on air donations in the big CSF wallet, and the CHS Senior Hosts Danielle Eckert and Scott Shepherd and Lauren Metzger and Matt Oakley did a great job as the ‘Mid-Week Update’ news teams. They were so relieved as donations poured in and ‘Gumby got his green back’,” Aden added.

In its 25th program year, the Foundation has returned over $2.8 million as the community’s shared cause and fundraising vehicle to ensure continued academic excellence for Coronado children, K-12. “This year’s Telethon truly exemplified the community’s understanding of our school’s financial need with the final tally a record breaking $118,735,” added Foundation Executive Director Patty Cowan. “With our membership income at $140,000 going into the Telethon, this amazing night has put the volcano thermometer on Orange Avenue at nearly $260,000. This week donations are still pouring in, with our Telethon tally now at $122,000. I’m confident we’ll reach our goal of $300,000 by June 30th,” she added.

Yo ho ho….Libby Patrick’s 1st grade class made everyone want to be a pirate at the Telethon!  (Photo by Joseph Scott Photography)

“The energy from the commitment of all the talent and donors as well as the community members who worked the phone bank was felt from start to finish,” added Telethon Chairperson Sue Shirey, who worked tirelessly with a community writing group to create a storyboard for the night. “The many business partners who underwrote the event were invaluable to the financial success of the night along with both new and returning donors.”

Other highlights included Coronado Middle School’s “Elvis sighting” as Assistant Principal Jay Marquand personified the musical theme as Elvis Presley. Silver Strand Principal Joyce Montgomery appeared live as Dolly Parton with her Village counterpart Deeba Zaher playing the role of Dolly’s sister and CHS Assistant Principal Jenny Moore appeared as a Christina Aguilera look-a-like. And the Telethon would be complete without celebrity hosts Bill “Mr. Telethon” Sandke and Jane Mitchell of Channel 4 anchoring the stage at Village Hall while “Blues Brother” Fred Eckert and ‘Blues Sister’ Kylie Cusick visited the remote location at Beach-n-Diner & Mootime on Orange Avenue as well as dropping by the dojo of Presenting Partner Martial Arts America.

Sonny and Cher, a.k.a. CSF Vice President Jeff Kob and President Toni Aden welcome Elvis as the foundation’s first “after life” life member.  During non-Telethon days, Elvis can be found at CMS as Assistant Principal Jay Marquand.  (Photo by Joseph Scott Photography)

“We were elated to have so many join us as new Life Members, committing to donating $5,000 over five years and many just keep on giving,” commented Foundation Ex Officio Rick Shaughnessy. “Bill Putnam of Time Warner Cable is truly the behind-the-scenes wizard who along with Event Coordinator Annie Hendricks made this night one to remember in this very special community we call home,” he added.

“What impressed me most was not only did the event raise much needed funds, but it was truly fun to be a part of the excitement, both as a participant and viewer,” commented Coronado High Assistant Principal Jenny Moore who appeared in the CHS American Graffiti skit along with Principal Karl Mueller and senior hosts. To make a donation to benefit Coronado’s public school children, view photos of the event, or purchase a DVD, please visit www.csfkids.org.

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