KRCC busy with final plans for annual telethon March 21 and 22

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The annual Kenny Rogers Children's Center Telethon is weeks away, but phones are already buzzing with event plans and volunteers seeking donations.

"If the phone starts ringing, don't be surprised," said Michelle Fayette, executive director of the KRCC. "We are already calling and soliciting donations."

This year's telethon is March 21 and 22 at the Sikeston Field House.

Not only are staff calling local businesses and others asking for items to be included in the silent auction, but VIP panels are making phone calls to raise funds.

"VIP panels are a group of people united in some way, such as families, co-workers or church members and are busy now and throughout the month raising money for the telethon," Fayette said. "That's where the majority of the money is made."

Last year, VIP panels raised about $182,000 -- about 64 percent of the roughly $285,000 brought in. This year, organizers have set a goal of $300,000 for the telethon.

"Last year, we were beginning to see some of the slump, so we're really trying to be proactive this year and do some things that we haven't done before," Fayette said. "I do know the economy is certainly in a downfall, but if everybody in our area could come up with at least $25 ... it's such a worthwhile organization and we just want everyone to come out and support us."

Auditions for the fourth "Telethon Idol" contest were held over the weekend at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau.

Some changes are coming to the contest to make it more exciting this year.

"We are going to have 24 finalists [instead of 12] who are going to perform Saturday afternoon of the telethon," Fayette said. "Then we'll get it down to 12, who will perform again that night."

Fayette said the prize money for the winner was doubled to $1,000.

"Saturday night has always been really hard for us to find an event we can fill the Field House with, and the last couple of years, it has just been packed," Fayette said. She said fundraising is 50 percent of the judging for contestants, and they typically bring in between $500 and $1,000.

"When you get several people participating, that adds up to a lot of money," Fayette said. The telethon is broadcast locally on TV stations in the area so people can watch the competition. Just like on "American Idol," those watching can call in and vote for their favorite with a pledge.

The night of March 21 also includes a silent auction with about 100 items.

"We always have a couple of trailers, and usually have some Tunica trips, grills, and a lot of lawn and garden items," Fayette said. There will be a concession stand set up through the telethon.

Instead of fish, this year barbecue and hamburgers will be served.

Another new attraction is Easter photos with live rabbits, taken by Julie Heppe of Heppe's Photography. "They'll receive a discount if they show proof of a donation to the telethon," Fayette said.

This year, staff are making an added effort to keep the Center's website updated with as much information as possible so community members can stay informed and involved, Fayette said. The web address is www.kennyrogerscenter.org. The site will include a list of all the auction items and allow individuals to make donations online.

With this being the Center's biggest fundraiser, Fayette said people should get involved and donate in any way possible.

"The Center has been around for over 35 years and we still provide physical, occupational and speech therapy to kids all throughout Missouri's Bootheel," she said. "We've never had to charge a family for the services their children receive, and I think it's so phenomenal that in Southeast Missouri we have something like this."