Telethon 2008 a HUGE success!

Telethon Weekend 2008 was a huge success raising a record total of $7,535,678 for the children of Western Australia. The weekend kicked off with a bang at the Mix 94.5 Grand Mascot Race. It was one furry friend after another battling it out to become the inaugral "Grand Mascot Race" champion. The champion was Johnny the Docker - representing the Fremantle Dockers. Thanks to all of the companies who participated and Mix 94.5 for raising $18,000 for Telethon!

Then came the first ever "Danny Green Celebrity Fight for the Kids" event held at the Perth Centre with over 500 guests witnessing Danny Green in the boxing ring against many local Perth identities and players from the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers. The highlight was Adrian Barich's battle with Danny - an amusing and enjoyable charity fight for Telethon. Overall $110,000 was raised thanks to Green Machine Promotions and the event sponsor Natale Security Services.

Telethon's Bank of Queensland Kids Carnival took place at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre with massive crowds of children and families out to have a great time. There were many varieties of rides and activities and an entertainment stage filled with colour and excitement for all to enjoy.

The HBF Telethon Phone room was a great success with $56,000 raised from the Phone Room Auction.

The 2008 Telethon Live Broadcast began with the red carpet arrival of Network Seven personalities and celebrities and continued on for 24 hours with loads of fun and excitement. The crowd was entertained by American Idol finalist Michael Johns, Vanessa Amorosi, David Campbell, Stuart Wagstaff, Damien Leith, Michael Paynter, Soul Mystique, Carl Riseley, Amy Pearson, Small Mercies, Wayne Scott Kermond, Jonathan Coleman, Jessica Mauboy, CDB and Agro. Local Perth performers also performed throughout the weekend, showcasing just how wonderful the talent in Perth really is.

Cheque Presentations over the weekend were broadcast to the WA public showing that Telethon is not only one weekend of fundraising but an entire year's worth of hardwork from the Telethon office, sponsors, community fundraisers and volunteers.

Other key events included the Lexus Ball which raised $277,111.50, the Mackenzie Thorpe Exhibition and sale of artwork which raised $150,000 and of course the popular Chris Mainwaring Tribute Match which raised $150,000. The Bletchley Park Telethon Metropolitan Home raised $830,000 at the traditional Telethon Home Auction.

The true stars of Telethon 2008 were Claire Davies (Telethon Regional Child) and Tayla Tassef (Telethon Metropolitan Child). Both girls are true inspirations to the people of Perth and Western Australia and played a huge role in reaching the Telethon record tally.

Telethon Marketing Manager, Nicola Bedwood, was ecstatic with this year's total. "The WA public have done it again - what an amazing result! We couldn't do it without the outstanding support we receive from the public, our sponsors and the unrelenting hard work of the volunteers who turn up year after year and give their time. We are eternally grateful for everyone's continued support as well as the record generosity of the West Australian public."

On behalf of the entire team at Channel Seven and Telethon, Seven's Managing Director and Telethon Trustee, Chris Wharton, offered heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed over the weekend - the stars who gave their time, the many volunteers and particularly, all those who pledged donations.