Cable 8 to Host Telethon Thursday at noon to Benefit Pullman Child

 
PULLMAN, Wash. – Cable 8 Productions, Washington State University’s student-run television station, will host a telethon to benefit Alex Reister of Pullman, a two-year-old boy who suffers from cerebral palsy.  The telethon will air throughout the Palouse via cable channel 8, from noon until 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17.
 
There will be a public event at the CUB Lair, where cameras will be set up for a portion of the broadcast. Several bands are scheduled to perform. There will also be audience-participation games and a chance to win prizes. All WSU students, staff, faculty and local residents are invited.
 
This is the second Cougar Vision Outreach telethon produced by Cable 8, according to telethon organizer and vice president of Marketing and Alumni Affairs for Cable 8, Danielle Gilbertson.
 
“The annual Cougar Vision Outreach telethon was established in an effort to bridge the gap between the community and WSU students, while supporting one special local cause,” said Gilbertson. 
 
Gilbertson has a personal connection to this year’s recipient. She is a volunteer with Early Learning Services (ELS), a local organization that serves children with disabilities from birth to age three. 
 
The donations will be used to buy Alex Reister medical equipment including a wheelchair and a swing to help him develop muscle coordination.  Funds will also go toward physical therapy and other medical needs. 
 
To kick-start the telethon, the Cable 8 team and community members gathered at the Pullman Safeway to sell hot dogs on Feb. 5.  The Safeway fundraiser gave the community an opportunity to meet and support Alex and his family. 
 
The team has raised $3500 so far.  Organizer Danielle Gilbertson says that all money raised will be put to good use.
 
“Cerebral palsy is not curable but through the money raised with this telethon, we will greatly improve Alex’s quality of life,” Gilbertson said.
 
For more information or to donate, contact Danielle Gilbertson at danielleg1@hotmail.com.