UCP Land of Lincoln Telethon Completes its 40th Year

[February 04, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln hosted its annual telethon Jan. 27 on WICS-TV. 2008 marks the 40th year of the UCP Land of Lincoln affiliation with United Cerebral Palsy national. Over 300 local volunteers staffed the phone banks in Beardstown, Morrisonville, Pleasant Plains, Carlinville, Pawnee, Lincoln, Taylorville, Jacksonville, Virden, Decatur, Mount Zion and Springfield, raising money to support UCP's programs and services. Volunteers and sponsors for UCP exceeded the goal of $300,000 and finished with a remarkable $315,751.

The UCP Land of Lincoln Telethon started in 1954 on WICS.

Paul Wappel and Jill Egizii hosted the six-hour UCP Telethon with special guest hosts: WICS news anchors Jerry Lambert and Julie Staley, WFMB morning talk show hosts John and Michelle, and Sports Radio 1450 commentator Sam Madonia.

The telethon is the largest fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln. The funds raised directly benefit programs and services provided by UCP Land of Lincoln for children and adults of all ages with any type of disability.

Special thanks to the telethon sponsors: Davis Financial, Zara's Collision, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Bellacino's, PC Lawns, Brahlers Tire & Auto Center, Gates, Wise & Schlosser, Landmark Ford, Nicoud, EL Pruitt Co., Brandt Consolidated, Dr. Maurer, Dr. and Mrs. Ted Sunder, Hardee's, Dr. Sunil Bansal, Wal-Mart, ADM, Team Soy, Sam's Club, Specialized Office Services, Personal Mobility, United Access, Outback Steak House, NAPA Auto Parts, CEFCU, LPGA State Farm Classic, IMPA-IACS, Qik-n-EZ, Ambucs and Miller Lite.

For more information about the telethon or to make a pledge, contact UCP at 217-525-6522 or [e-mail].

[Text from file received from United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln]