Thanks to another successful telethon, the Tuscarawas Society for Children & Adults, better known as the Rainbow Connection, will be continuing its mission to help disabled and disadvantaged individuals in Tuscarawas County. The organization raised $328,091 at its 51st annual telethon on Sunday.
The Tuscarawas Society for Children & Adults, Inc. is a non-profit, independent health charity dedicated to meeting the needs of disadvantaged and disabled children & adults. According to their website, the organization has a distinct identity, “Rainbow Connection knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives.”
These initiatives include filling the “gaps existing in community services by providing a diversified range of services” for disabled and disadvantaged individuals in Tuscarawas County.
A post on the organization’s website details some of their most recent contributions. Assistance includes: the purchase of a hearing system for Indian Valley Schools; assistance with the purchase of ADA-compliant bleachers and a new handicapped accessible walkway and parking spots for New Philadelphia Youth Soccer Association; medical equipment for local individuals including two prosthetic legs; more than $10,000 in medical bills for individuals; and more than $700 in long-term prescription assistance to Tuscarawas County residents.
The Times Reporter writes that this month’s telethon raised more funds than the past two years and included a surprise for the Tuscarawas County Challenger Baseball organization:
All members of the team will have the opportunity to attend, see their organization’s name on the scoreboard, and run the bases during the May 19 Cleveland Guardians game against the Minnesota Twins. The winning auction item included 60 tickets for the Challengers team, $10 concession stand vouchers for players and four tickets for the winning bidder. It sold for $5,000.
“Our community continues to blow us away with the support they provide to their neighbors,” said Rainbow Connection Executive Director Perci Garner. “Every dollar raised through our telethon and auction directly supports those requesting assistance from our organization.”
To learn more about the Rainbow Connection, volunteer, or make a donation, visit https://www.tuscrainbow.org/