SANFORD — For the 44th year in a row, folks dug deep into their pockets for Waban.
The annual telethon held Saturday saw companies and individuals show their support for the children who receive developmental services through Waban. There were donations in the thousands of dollars, and there were donations of pennies ”“ and it all adds up.
“In spite of one of our longest, snowiest and coldest winters in history, individuals, businesses and organizations came together and demonstrated their unflagging support of the programs at Waban by raising $86,310,” said Waban Executive Director Neal Meltzer. “While the economy continues to struggle and many people face significant financial obstacles, the community once again rose to the challenge.”
The money is used to help pay for developmental therapy, specialized equipment, therapeutic recreation, and other services for about 150 children who attend the Fraser-Ford Child Development Center or who receive services from the Children’s Case Management Program.
The telethon is sponsored annually by St. Thèrése of Liseux Parish.
This year, Waban recognized longtime television meteorologist Kevin Mannix for his 25 years as host, along with Metrocast, for their years of involvement filming and broadcasting the annual telethon. Waban employee Edie Cole received the “Making a Difference” award.
While there were donations large and small, one program that has been ongoing for many years is earned one penny at a time.
“Pennies for Waban” sees individuals, businesses and groups “pinch their pennies” for a year, saving them up for the telethon. This year, $4,400 was raised in pennies, which will be matched with $4,400 by General Electric corporation.
The program was started by GE employee Andy Normand, who has since passed away, and is carried on by Val and Doris Grondin, with help from Normand’s daughter Rosemary Frank. Normand had conducted the penny program for 30 years.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less