WBRZ, the ABC affiliate in Baton Rouge, La., owned by the Manship family, raised more than $185,000 in an hour-long telethon, Unite for Our Heroes Telethon, on July 28. More donations continue to pour in, so the station expects that amount will grow to exceed $200,000. “Last night was one of the most rewarding experiences […]
WBRZ, the ABC affiliate in Baton Rouge, La., owned by the Manship family, raised more than $185,000 in an hour-long telethon, Unite for Our Heroes Telethon, on July 28.
More donations continue to pour in, so the station expects that amount will grow to exceed $200,000.
“Last night was one of the most rewarding experiences in my 40-year television career,” said Rocky Daboval, WBRZ’s general manager.
“In a matter of days, we came together and produced a telethon that will bring in well over $185,000 for our first responders. More importantly, I believe it brought this community together and helped start our healing process.”
Police and community leaders participated in the television show at the WBRZ studios. In live interviews, they reflected on the difficult times the community has faced and shared their support for the families of three fallen police officers.
“This has been a trying time in our community,” said Lee Polowczuk, WBRZ’s news director. “The contributions to the fund are a testament to the gratitude viewers in our area feel towards those who respond, protect and serve.”
The money raised benefits the EBR First Responders Fund — an account established in the 1980s for law enforcement officers and first responders who are injured in the line of duty or for their families if they die while on the job.
Richard Manship, Manship Media’s president, donated $10,000 to the current fund and another $10,000 to help create an additional fund.
The call demand was so high during the telethon that the expanded phone system couldn’t handle the volume, crashing lines twice, according to the station.
Donations can still be made at any area Whitney Hancock Bank location, or online at WBRZ.com.
https://youtu.be/nTdZ5pxV86Y
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