Friends Across the Mountains Telethon, Wednesday, Aug. 14

by Julie Dodd

Friends of the Smokies is hosting the Friends Across the Mountains Telethon on Wednesday, August 14, to raise funds for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Friends Across The Mountains Telethon volunteers — Volunteers take donation calls during a previous FOTS telethon. This is the 25th year for the Friends Across the Mountains Telethon.

The telethon will be broadcast live on WBIR Channel 10 in Knoxville and WLOS News13 in Asheville, from 7 to 8 p.m.

This is the 25^th year of the telethon, which has raised more than $3.6 million to support GSMNP.

The goal for this year’s telethon is to raise $250,000 to support the park’s programs and projects, including an upgrade of the park’s emergency radio communications system.

During the August 14 broadcast, supporters call call toll-free 844-524-1611 to make a donation.

If you live outside of the viewing areas or aren’t available to watch the telethon, you still can participate.

Donations can be made before the telethon airs by visiting the FOTS website at FriendsOfTheSmokies.org/donate.

You also can make donations by calling the Friends of the Smokies Tennessee office (800-845-5665) or North Carolina office (828-452-0720).

The event will be covered by FOTS social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – using the hashtag #SmokiesTelethon.

Thanks to WBIR Channel 10 and WLOS News13 for being loyal partners for FOTS.