Telethon's success benefits Sikeston children's center

Southeast Misssourian

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston-based Kenny Rogers Children Center recently held its 26th annual telethon, raising $256,534, up from last year's $251,763, to improve the quality of life for children with special needs and their families throughout the region.

Telethon Idol singing contest winners were Rebecca Throop, Caroline Miller and Arianne MacGillivray, all of Sikeston.

Kenny Rogers Children's Center serves children with special needs, such as victims of cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, shaken-baby syndrome, autism, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, seizure disorder, ADHD, other syndromes and undiagnosed developmental delays.

The children's center provides a comprehensive range of on- and off-site services for more than 340 children with special needs from birth to 21 years of age from 10 counties throughout Southeast Missouri.

Over the years, Kenny Rogers Children's Center has helped thousands of children with special needs attend public school, function more independently and gain the confidence they need to lead more active and productive lives.