Daily Pioneer News

University of Wisconsin-Platteville students Jason McGraw and Anne Killian host the Christmas Telethon to support the Badger Camp. The day-long cable TV event originated from the TV studio on the UWP campus

PLATTEVILLE - In 1973, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presented the first Christmas Telethon in support of Wisconsin Badger Camp. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 35 years later, UWP and Badger Camp celebrated another successful Christmas telethon. The telethon raised over $65,000 that will go directly to helping send individuals with developmental disabilities to Badger Camp.

Badger Camp is an independent nonprofit organization located approximately 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien. It brings a tradition of outdoor recreational experiences to people of any ability or age regardless of their financial situation. Badger Camp relies heavily on the community's time, talent and financial support to provide for its campers.

Interviews with UWP officials, Wisconsin Badger Camp staff, corporate sponsors and campers, helped convey the importance of community support to Wisconsin Badger Camp. Wisconsin Badger Camp does not receive state or federal funding, which makes every donation important. The day was filled with talent acts such as carolers, dancers and live music, which entertained viewers at home as well as a live audience.

UWP educates students to be well-rounded individuals, conscientious citizens and skilled professionals. Throughout a history of growth and change, the overriding goal of the telethon has been to inform individuals at UWP and in the surrounding communities about an often-neglected segment of our society, individuals with disabilities. The students involved in the Telethon apply their broadcasting, marketing, public relations, accounting and production skills as well as practice social responsibility.

"I am touched by the support of Southwest Wisconsin, UWP and the community at large," said Betsy Ralph, the development/communications director of Wisconsin Badger Camp. "We are so excited about the results of the telethon and would like to thank everyone for helping make the 35th annual Christmas telethon a success."

For more information about the Christmas telethon or Wisconsin Badger Camp, contact Ralph at (608) 348-9689 or bralph@badgercamp.org. Contact: Betsy Ralph, development/communications director, Wisconsin Badger Camp, (608) 348-9689, bralph@badgercamp.org Written by: Anne Killian, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, killiana@uwplatt.edu

Labels: Christmas telethon, Wisconsin Badger Camp

PLATTEVILLE - Preparations are under way for the 2008 Christmas telethon in support of Wisconsin Badger Camp. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been hosting the telethon for over 30 years. The telethon will be broadcasted from the TV studio located in the basement of Pioneer Tower on the UWP campus on Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon to 10 p.m. The telethon also will be available on the Internet for the first time this year. A live stream will be broadcast at www.badgercamp.org.

Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit organization designed for individuals with developmental disabilities. The theme of this year's telethon is "The Greatest Camp on Earth," and will show viewers what camp is all about, while raising funds to send individuals to camp. The camp accepts campers of all ages, regardless of the severity of their disability or geographic location, and is designed so that every camper can participate in every activity.

"The Christmas Telethon raises money for our campership program. Camperships provide financial assistance for campers who cannot afford the camp fee," said Betsy Ralph, Badger Camp's director of development and communications. "The success and longevity of the Christmas telethon is a true reflection of the dedication UWP and Southwest Wisconsin have to supporting Wisconsin Badger Camp."

The telethon was designed as a hands-on learning experience for broadcasting students and has evolved into an event that includes students, UWP staff and faculty, community members and a host of others from around the tri-state area. It is estimated that over 500 students of all majors participate in the event. They volunteer to answer phones, perform during the telethon, raise funds, run cameras and help out wherever there is need. Hosts and volunteers from past telethons take part in the alumni portion of the telethon as well.

"I come back because Badger Camp and the telethon meant so much to me during school that I like to come back and return the favor," said Angela (Drake) Reideman, UWP graduate and former telethon host. "It's fun to see former classmates and catch up with them. It's heartwarming to continue the relationship with the staff of Badger Camp and see the campers."

Not only students come back year after year, but many businesses and organizations in the community continually help out with the telethon. Corporate and community sponsors of the telethon this year include: UWP, Faherty Inc.,Eastman Cartwright Lumber Co. of Platteville, Lancaster First National Bank, Mound City Bank, Platteville New Car Dealers, Wal-Mart, Platteville Elks Lodge No. 1460, TUBB CLUBB, Platteville Thrift Shop, CenturyTel, Grant and Iowa County Tavern League, Design Homes/Deer Valley Inc., Platteville Jaycees, the Platteville Community Fund, TriCor Insurance and Financial Services.

If anyone has an auction item to donate or wants to get involved with the telethon, call the Badger Camp office at (608) 348-9689. For more information about the UWP Badger Camp telethon, contact Colleen Garrity at (608) 342-1628 or garrity@uwplatt.edu. For more information about Wisconsin Badger Camp, visit badgercamp.org.

Contact: Betsy Ralph, development/communications director, (608) 348-9689, bralph@badgercamp.org Written by: Anne Killian and Jason McGraw, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, killiana@uwplatt.edu, mcgrawj@uwplatt.edu

Labels: Christmas telethon, Wisconsin Badger Camp