The students and staff of the Penn-Trafford School District pulled together in what has become an annual event – the “Wishes for Warriors” Telethon. The 2023 telethon took place on Thursday, December 21. For a solid five hours (9 am – 2 pm), the high school’s television production classes and teacher Steve Vinton produced a live broadcast that featured musical performances, studio guests, news, student-produced commercials, and creative videos.
Although the broadcast was limited to five hours, the preparation started many months prior. Schools and organizations within the district took the initiative to fundraise on behalf of Make-A-Wish, and many were on hand to present their “big check” at the live broadcast. In total, the district raised over $62,000 – enough to grant 12 wishes to children with critical illnesses. According to Make-A-Wish, research shows children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight a critical illness. This can improve their quality of life and produce better health outcomes.
Penn-Trafford’s telethon has presented nearly $400,000 to Make-A-Wish since its inception in 2017.
“A donation like this is unbelievable because it’s going to grant multiple wishes… we’re talking double digits here,” said Jake Seavy of Make-A-Wish, who was present at the telethon. “One of the things I always like to highlight is our one true mission: Together we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
The PTTV crew
12th-graders Conner Alexander and Paul Mills hosted the telethon
Make-A-Wish’s Jake Seavy (center) joins PTTV hosts Morgan Arlia, and Conner Alexander
The tally board finished at $62,611