Pocono News Section

Telethon Collects More Pledges than Last Year

Telethon Collects More Pledges than Last Year - Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 04:09AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Saturday April 10 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -Thanks to WBRE viewers the Northeast Regional Autism Center at Friendship House collected $157,011. The eight hour telethon took place at Scranton High School Saturday.

All of the money raised will help children who have autism. Friendship House President Robert Angeloni explained,"It will support the programs and the services we provide in our facility here in Scranton."

That facility is Friendship House and its Northeast Regional Autism Center in Scranton. Mark Lynn of South Abington Township said,"It's very important, very important."

His daughter has Autism. Friendship House has helped her learn to communicate and socialize. She even has an aide from the center help her at school. Lynn said,"Without the aid from friendship house the class would not be that efficient."

The tough economy has hit Friendship House - making it tougher to get government grants and private donations. That's why this telethon is so important. Every dollar and every phone call makes a difference.

Eyewitness News Anchor Candice Kelly said,"To know that we can help just a little bit, that we can make a difference in their life, that means something special to me and everybody at the station."

The Friendship House says the money raised here is just as important as the awareness raised here. Angeloni said, "The awareness issue has always been one that we've tried to focus our attention on."

WBRE wants to continue helping to raise awareness and funds for this important cause. Lead I-Team Investigator Andy Mehalshick said, "The families of children with autism don't get a day off. They're 24/,7 365, so it's the least we can do as a station and as a community, and that's come together."

Angeloni smiled,"WBRE Channel 28 has been one of those tried and true friends that I can't say enough great things about."