EASTER SEALS TELETHON TOPS 1996 GOAL WITH $71,137

Moving out of the studio and into a busy shopping mall seemed to work for Easter Seals Celebration '96 as the fund-raising effort met its targeted goal.

The local Easter Seals Society raised $71,137 -- slightly higher than the goal of $70,000 -- during the 10-hour telethon which aired Sunday morning and afternoon on KBSI-23.

For the first time, the telethon was conducted live at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau. Organizers said holding the telethon in crowded public place provided a way to get the public more directly involved, instead of just watching at home on television.

Chuck Martin, regional director for the Easter Seals Society, said it also allowed people a glimpse into what it takes to successfully pull off a telethon.

"We've done it in the past in a television studio, which is a very sterile environment," Martin said. "You don't get the public passing by. This has been very different but very good."

Also, having spectators right on the scene enabled organizers to plant a fish bowl to gather small contributions. That money has not yet been counted but could add another $100 or so to the final total.

Money donated to the Easter Seals Society is used to provide educational and therapeutic services to disabled children 6 years of age and younger.

"All the money stays in our particular area," Martin said. "We're very proud of the fact that the money raised in Southeast Missouri stays in Southeast Missouri to serve the kids of this region."

Last year the local Easter Seals Society raised $81,000 during its telethon. However, at that time the organization was part of a larger telethon sponsored by the Lions Club. Martin said a drop in donations was expected from striking out on their own.

But considering that the largest corporate donations were only $1,000, Martin said the amount raised is impressive. Dozens of area businesses donated in the $250-plus range and most individual donors pledged anywhere from $5 to $75.

"We feel really good about it," Martin said.

About 200 volunteers put in time on the effort, answering phones and handling other tasks to make the telethon successful.

Martin said "breaking out of the studio was a good opportunity to grow" and expects next year's drive -- already slated for April 20 -- will be done in similar fashion.

"I anticipate we'll do it again. We have a great relationship with the mall and feel certain we'll be back here again with an even stronger performance next year," Martin said.