Annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon raises over $95,000 for Highland County Society for Children and Adults
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
The 45th annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon, hosted by the Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs on Wednesday night, raised over $95,000 for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults.
With numerous donations from individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Highland County and beyond, a final tally of $93,688.22 was announced at the conclusion of Wednesday night’s event. An updated total of $95,678 was announced on Tuesday, April 4.
In its 45 years, the telethon has now surpassed the $3.5 million mark, with all funds raised to benefit adults and children in Highland County.
“It’s a significant amount of money,” event organizer Judge Rocky Coss said following the telethon. “We’re never disappointed with what we receive.”
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The telethon is a joint effort of the Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs to support the HCSCA, which provides a number of services to children and adults throughout the county. Services available through the organization include home nursing, speech clinic, medication, transportation, equipment rental, orthopedic devices, CPR equipment, scholarship funding, hospital tests, respiratory supplies and physical and occupational therapy.
In 2013, the event was named the Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon in honor of Blankenship’s long service as emcee and chairman of the Hillsboro Rotary Club committee.
The 2017 telethon opened with a presentation from members of Blankenship’s family, including his wife, Rita Kay Blankenship; sons Ernie and Ryan (“Smoke”) Blankenship; daughter-in-law Erin Blankenship; and grandchildren Beau and Presley.
“We’re so glad to have the Blankenship family here,” Highland County Society for Children and Adults director Gayle Coss said.
After the family donated $1,000 to the society, Rita Kay Blankenship announced another new gift from the Blankenship family starting with this year’s telethon.
“Every year in the front of Big Ernie’s Pizza, we’re going to have a picture of the poster child,” Blankenship said. “At the telethon, we’d like to give the photo to the poster child’s family."
The large promotional photo of this year’s poster child, Gracin Murarescu, was presented to the Murarescu family. Along with his parents, Sorin and Jodi, and his sister Colie, Gracin accepted the gift from the Blankenship family. Gracin, 6, is a kindergarten student at New Vienna Elementary and lives in Lynchburg. The Society assisted the Murarescu family with purchasing glasses for Gracin, who has Down syndrome.
“We appreciate everything the society has done for us,” Jodi Murarescu said. “We appreciate this platform to be able to give back.”
In the spirit of "giving back," the Murarescus brought several donations made in honor of Gracin serving as poster child, including checks from Mid-State Electric, NCB, New Vienna Elementary and Gracin’s grandparents.
Coss noted that the Murarescu family wanted to call attention to the fact that Gracin is “just like everyone else.” She said that a news story this week about a professional photographer who has Down syndrome proves their point.
“We all have our limitations, but we all can be successful,” Coss said.
The Hillsboro telethon was hosted by US Bank this year. Branch manager Cam Marsh welcomed the emcees, Rick Williams and Herb Day, as well as the large crowd to the event.
“Thank you for being our host tonight,” Day said.
Marsh and fellow US Bank employees, including Matt Roberts, Tara Pendell, Judy Ahr and Daniel Colliver and regional board member Dr. Lawrence Dukes, also presented a check for $3,000 for the society during the telethon.
Local students and educators were among the first guests of the telethon. Several Hillsboro City Schools students made a donation, along with outgoing Hillsboro City Schools superintendent Jim Smith, Hillsboro High School principal Jason Snively, Hillsboro Middle School principal Joe Turner and Hillsboro Elementary fourth and fifth grade principal and recently appointed HCS superintendent Tim Davis. Hillsboro FFA officers Kaleb Harp and Morgan Holland also made a donation, along with local 4-H members.
Representatives from various other organizations, such as the VFW Post 9094 and the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary and local Red Hat Society members, were also on hand to speak with Williams and Day and make donations.
The Highland County Republicans, represented by engineer Dean Otworth, sheriff Donnie Barrera, commissioners Terry Britton and Jeff Duncan, also made a donation. Commissioner Shane Wilkin, former commissioner Mike Rector and prosecutor Anneka Collins were also among Wednesday night’s donors.
Hillsboro Rotary Club president Lee Koogler presented a donation of $6,000 on behalf of the club and thanked the community for supporting the telethon each year.
“We truly appreciate your support,” Koogler said. “We know you support us annually, and we hope you will continue to do so.”
Rotary Club members were busy through the night answering calls on the telethon lines as well as soliciting donations on their cell phones, and many club members made appearances during the telethon to read the names of pledges they received.
In addition to host US Bank, local banks including Fifth Third Bank, First State Bank, Merchants National Bank and NCB also made significant donations Wednesday night.
Highland District Hospital Foundation Director Cathy Jones brought a number of donations on the hospital’s behalf, including contributions from her family, HDH medical staff, Dr. Julie Karnes, president Randy Lennartz, chief financial officer Karen Shadowens and vice president of operations Tim Parry.
Another frequent donor, Heartland of Hillsboro, presented a check with the proceeds from their annual chili challenge fundraiser. Ida Hecht donated $2,169 on Heartland’s behalf.
The top two donors in the telethon’s history – the Cassner Foundation and the Hillsboro Eagles Aerie #1161 – were also recognized for their significant contributions through the years. The organizations among the highest donors of the night. Richard Van Zant presented a check for $15,000 on behalf of the Cassner Foundation, while the Eagles donated $5,200 as well as an Easter basket filled with toys for Gracin.
Hillsboro Eagles president William Haynes told The Highland County Press that the Eagles feel it is important to give back to the community through their annual contributions at the telethon.
“Our motto is ‘people helping people,’” he said.
Merchants National Bank was another top donor on Wednesday night with a $10,000 contribution.
A silent auction was also held throughout the telethon, with over $1,000 raised on sports memorabilia and other items.
The emcees and Hillsboro Rotary Club members closed out the night by thanking the many people who make the telethon a success every year, including US Bank and their staff; Terry Mikkelsen of Tech-T Productions; local media; event sponsors, including the numerous businesses who donated food and beverages for the evening; and everyone who contributed to this year’s telethon.
The telethon sponsors included 24 Exchange & Deli, Alley 21, Bagshaw Enterprises (KFC), Big Ernie’s Pizza, Blossoms ’N Buds, Chad Abbott Signs, Flagway, Giovanni’s Pizza, Great Scot, Hillsboro Dairy Queen, The Highland County Press, Holtfield Station, iHeart Radio, Kroger, Larry’s Party Shop, Local Cable TV, Old Y Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Rent-2-Own, Rick’s Appliance, Slow & Low, Speedway, Star Cinemas, Subway (Elmore), Time Warner Cable and WVNU.
Gayle Coss thanked Williams and Day for doing a great job as emcees.
“I’m so happy you both agreed to do this,” she said.
Coss also thanked her husband, Judge Rocky Coss, for his work with the event, as he helps plan and run the telethon as well as assisting the emcees.
“I want to recognize what Rocky does,” Gayle Coss said. “He gets everything organized, and he’s been doing this for many years.”
Williams also pointed out that anyone who would like to donate to the telethon can still do so, with donations being accepted at local banks or by mail at P.O. Box 258, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.
“The community is wonderful,” Day said. “Thank you for your generosity and support and for donating to the society.”
With numerous donations from individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Highland County and beyond, a final tally of $93,688.22 was announced at the conclusion of Wednesday night’s event. An updated total of $95,678 was announced on Tuesday, April 4.
In its 45 years, the telethon has now surpassed the $3.5 million mark, with all funds raised to benefit adults and children in Highland County.
“It’s a significant amount of money,” event organizer Judge Rocky Coss said following the telethon. “We’re never disappointed with what we receive.”
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The telethon is a joint effort of the Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs to support the HCSCA, which provides a number of services to children and adults throughout the county. Services available through the organization include home nursing, speech clinic, medication, transportation, equipment rental, orthopedic devices, CPR equipment, scholarship funding, hospital tests, respiratory supplies and physical and occupational therapy.
In 2013, the event was named the Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon in honor of Blankenship’s long service as emcee and chairman of the Hillsboro Rotary Club committee.
The 2017 telethon opened with a presentation from members of Blankenship’s family, including his wife, Rita Kay Blankenship; sons Ernie and Ryan (“Smoke”) Blankenship; daughter-in-law Erin Blankenship; and grandchildren Beau and Presley.
“We’re so glad to have the Blankenship family here,” Highland County Society for Children and Adults director Gayle Coss said.
After the family donated $1,000 to the society, Rita Kay Blankenship announced another new gift from the Blankenship family starting with this year’s telethon.
“Every year in the front of Big Ernie’s Pizza, we’re going to have a picture of the poster child,” Blankenship said. “At the telethon, we’d like to give the photo to the poster child’s family."
The large promotional photo of this year’s poster child, Gracin Murarescu, was presented to the Murarescu family. Along with his parents, Sorin and Jodi, and his sister Colie, Gracin accepted the gift from the Blankenship family. Gracin, 6, is a kindergarten student at New Vienna Elementary and lives in Lynchburg. The Society assisted the Murarescu family with purchasing glasses for Gracin, who has Down syndrome.
“We appreciate everything the society has done for us,” Jodi Murarescu said. “We appreciate this platform to be able to give back.”
In the spirit of "giving back," the Murarescus brought several donations made in honor of Gracin serving as poster child, including checks from Mid-State Electric, NCB, New Vienna Elementary and Gracin’s grandparents.
Coss noted that the Murarescu family wanted to call attention to the fact that Gracin is “just like everyone else.” She said that a news story this week about a professional photographer who has Down syndrome proves their point.
“We all have our limitations, but we all can be successful,” Coss said.
The Hillsboro telethon was hosted by US Bank this year. Branch manager Cam Marsh welcomed the emcees, Rick Williams and Herb Day, as well as the large crowd to the event.
“Thank you for being our host tonight,” Day said.
Marsh and fellow US Bank employees, including Matt Roberts, Tara Pendell, Judy Ahr and Daniel Colliver and regional board member Dr. Lawrence Dukes, also presented a check for $3,000 for the society during the telethon.
Local students and educators were among the first guests of the telethon. Several Hillsboro City Schools students made a donation, along with outgoing Hillsboro City Schools superintendent Jim Smith, Hillsboro High School principal Jason Snively, Hillsboro Middle School principal Joe Turner and Hillsboro Elementary fourth and fifth grade principal and recently appointed HCS superintendent Tim Davis. Hillsboro FFA officers Kaleb Harp and Morgan Holland also made a donation, along with local 4-H members.
Representatives from various other organizations, such as the VFW Post 9094 and the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary and local Red Hat Society members, were also on hand to speak with Williams and Day and make donations.
The Highland County Republicans, represented by engineer Dean Otworth, sheriff Donnie Barrera, commissioners Terry Britton and Jeff Duncan, also made a donation. Commissioner Shane Wilkin, former commissioner Mike Rector and prosecutor Anneka Collins were also among Wednesday night’s donors.
Hillsboro Rotary Club president Lee Koogler presented a donation of $6,000 on behalf of the club and thanked the community for supporting the telethon each year.
“We truly appreciate your support,” Koogler said. “We know you support us annually, and we hope you will continue to do so.”
Rotary Club members were busy through the night answering calls on the telethon lines as well as soliciting donations on their cell phones, and many club members made appearances during the telethon to read the names of pledges they received.
In addition to host US Bank, local banks including Fifth Third Bank, First State Bank, Merchants National Bank and NCB also made significant donations Wednesday night.
Highland District Hospital Foundation Director Cathy Jones brought a number of donations on the hospital’s behalf, including contributions from her family, HDH medical staff, Dr. Julie Karnes, president Randy Lennartz, chief financial officer Karen Shadowens and vice president of operations Tim Parry.
Another frequent donor, Heartland of Hillsboro, presented a check with the proceeds from their annual chili challenge fundraiser. Ida Hecht donated $2,169 on Heartland’s behalf.
The top two donors in the telethon’s history – the Cassner Foundation and the Hillsboro Eagles Aerie #1161 – were also recognized for their significant contributions through the years. The organizations among the highest donors of the night. Richard Van Zant presented a check for $15,000 on behalf of the Cassner Foundation, while the Eagles donated $5,200 as well as an Easter basket filled with toys for Gracin.
Hillsboro Eagles president William Haynes told The Highland County Press that the Eagles feel it is important to give back to the community through their annual contributions at the telethon.
“Our motto is ‘people helping people,’” he said.
Merchants National Bank was another top donor on Wednesday night with a $10,000 contribution.
A silent auction was also held throughout the telethon, with over $1,000 raised on sports memorabilia and other items.
The emcees and Hillsboro Rotary Club members closed out the night by thanking the many people who make the telethon a success every year, including US Bank and their staff; Terry Mikkelsen of Tech-T Productions; local media; event sponsors, including the numerous businesses who donated food and beverages for the evening; and everyone who contributed to this year’s telethon.
The telethon sponsors included 24 Exchange & Deli, Alley 21, Bagshaw Enterprises (KFC), Big Ernie’s Pizza, Blossoms ’N Buds, Chad Abbott Signs, Flagway, Giovanni’s Pizza, Great Scot, Hillsboro Dairy Queen, The Highland County Press, Holtfield Station, iHeart Radio, Kroger, Larry’s Party Shop, Local Cable TV, Old Y Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Rent-2-Own, Rick’s Appliance, Slow & Low, Speedway, Star Cinemas, Subway (Elmore), Time Warner Cable and WVNU.
Gayle Coss thanked Williams and Day for doing a great job as emcees.
“I’m so happy you both agreed to do this,” she said.
Coss also thanked her husband, Judge Rocky Coss, for his work with the event, as he helps plan and run the telethon as well as assisting the emcees.
“I want to recognize what Rocky does,” Gayle Coss said. “He gets everything organized, and he’s been doing this for many years.”
Williams also pointed out that anyone who would like to donate to the telethon can still do so, with donations being accepted at local banks or by mail at P.O. Box 258, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.
“The community is wonderful,” Day said. “Thank you for your generosity and support and for donating to the society.”