Awareness a telethon goal

In addition to raising funds, the second annual Catholic Charities telethon will raise awareness about the diocesan agency and its many arms.

During the six-hour telethon, 12 segments will explain the many programs offered by Catholic Charities in the 14 counties of the Albany Diocese. The segments will address food, clothing and shelter services; senior services; summer programs; healthy communities; parish social ministry; minority community service; crisis intervention; and maternity services provided by Catholic Charities agencies.

Months of planning have gone into the telethon, with hundreds of people involved. Several diocesan departments have also collaborated:

* the diocesan Media Office produced the video segments that profile the work of the agency;

* the Diocesan Youth Council will answer phones and take pledges;

* the Catholic School Office sponsored a poster and essay contest to raise awareness about Catholic Charities;

* the CEOs of the four Catholic hospitals in the Diocese and the presidents of Catholic colleges will be guests.

The telethon will air Dec. 12, noon-6 p.m., on WXXA Fox 23. It will be hosted by radio personalities Diane Donato of WYJB-FM, Bill Edwardsen of WGNA-AM/FM and Don Weeks of WHY-AM. (MM)