71st annual CP Telethon raises over $1.25 million

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The CP Telethon wrapped up on Sunday just shy of breaking last year’s record for donations.

Everyone involved is grateful for the generous support from across northeast Wisconsin.

The event, held in WBAY’s auditorium and hosted by WBAY TV-2 anchors Bill Jartz and Cami Rapson, raised $1,288,913 for CP’s programs and services. That final number is the result of the generosity of the community and a lot of hard work from volunteers.

“It’s just the thrill of working with everyone and being a part of this,” says Justin Ell, the supervisor of the Bank of Luxemburg’s Dyckesville branch.

The total this year was just over $180,000 shy of breaking last year’s record. CP’s Executive Director says that he’s very happy with the final total.

“Anytime you can go to work in the morning and think about what could be for the day. Then leave at the end of the day, having seen your actions make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s personally rewarding,” says Jon Syndergaard.

People and businesses from within the community came to collect donations for individuals with disabilities and their families.

All of the money raised stays right here in northeast Wisconsin, going towards CP’s services like aquatics therapy, child care, and much more for the over 2,100 families they care for in the region.

Abby Hull is back to volunteer for the second time.

We can give back in other ways, like monetarily or time, but I think time is the most important. That’s why I try to give as much as I can,” says Hull, who is a member service representative for Community First Credit Union.

Another volunteer is Justin Ell, who’s here for the first time.

“Rewarding. It’s a very rewarding experience being able to raise money for a good cause and see what the money goes to, and seeing all the people we get to help with it,” says Ell.

The CP Telethon is also the longest running local event of its kind in the country.