UCP Raises $36K for Cerebral Palsy

The United Cerebral Palsy Telethon has been going on for 46 years. This year, it raised $36,214 toward its annual budget of $1.2 million, exceeding its goal of $35,000.

UCP gets most of its funding from several state and local agencies. However, during these telethons, a nice chunk of change can be raised via the television and radio. This money helps pay for several different programs, technologies and support services. More than 1,500 people take advantage orf these services.

This year's telethon was broadcast from two different sites: the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pittsfield and the studios of NBCTC in North Adams. The presentation is quite elaborate, with dance troupes, singers and actors.

One of the themes for this year's telethon is "Kids Are the Bridge to the Future". As part of the theme, UCP featured a "Fun Club" for disabled youths.

"This club means a lot to my daughter and me," said Edna McNulty, of Becket. Her daughter, Christine attends the events that are sponsored by the club.

"I'm a single mom, and it's hard to find places where I know Christine is going to have a goot time," Mcnulty said. "And she loves the club."

We've featured several fundraisers and events that were sponsored by the UCP. This organization does more for cerebral palsy kids than any other group. Visit http://www.ucp.org/ to learn more.