CBS Philadelphia's 14th Ronald McDonald House Charities Telethon raises just over $1 million
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- CBS Philadelphia raised just over $1 million during our 14th Ronald McDonald House Charities Telethon on Thursday.
It was a wonderful day filled with hope as families, volunteers and sponsors joined CBS News Philadelphia to raise money for seriously ill children in the Delaware Valley.
Before the sun was up, the CBS Philadelphia morning team kicked off the 14th annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Telethon with a little help from the New Jersey teen council and Camden Catholic students.
RELATED: Camden Catholic students volunteer to help children at Ronald McDonald House Southern NJ
It wasn't long before the first big donation came in as Coca-Cola donated $32,500.
Throughout the morning, families joined in the great hall to share their stories. That's where CBS Philadelphia met soon-to-be 3-year-old Adam and his mom.
RELATED: Ronald McDonald House giving 2 families far from home a sense of family
Adam and his mom are thousands of miles from their home in Iraq, but while undergoing treatment, the two are staying at the Camden Ronald McDonald House.
Adam's story is one of dozens shared throughout the day.
All proceeds from the telethon are going to support Ronald McDonald Houses in Delaware, Philadelphia and South Jersey.
RELATED: For this toddler, it's a story shared by many inside Ronald McDonald Houses
Flyers mascot Gritty helped out and so did Ronald McDonald himself.
Everyone who donated didn't disappoint during the final stretch. Check after check came in and phones were ringing off the hook, and a surprise appearance from the Phillie Phantic put a smile on faces like cancer warrior Rachelly.
It's not just dollars raised during the telethon – it's infinite hope.
And CBS Philadelphia thanks you for your generosity.