The West Texas Rehabilitation Center 40th annual telethon and auction Saturday raised over one point two million dollars…to be more exact, $1,201,000. The overall total now in 40 years is an astonishing $32,000,000 plus. Last year’s show raised $1,042,000. In 2008 the all-time record was set of $1,271,367 was raised. The 2nd best was in 2007 with 1.26 million.

Director of Donor Relations for the Center, Dan Huggins, expressed a special thanks to everyone who had a hand in helping the REHAB raise the funds that go to support patients at facilities in Abilene, San Angelo and Ozona. Huggins said “We felt going in that this year could be a challenge but thanks to great support we enjoyed another success”.

The five hour long live television show, which was broadcast into 10 television markets, featured new country music star Jimmy Wayne along with host Charlie Chase, Red Steagall, Bill and Susan Hayes, Brad Maule and local talent Twyla Foreman

The internet auction, which is included in the overall total raised, raised almost 300,000.

The telethon had a new Official Sponsor this year in Suddenlink Communications. Also, underwriting the show was Area-Wide Phone Book.

American Airlines/American Eagle again served as the official airline for the event and the contributing sponsor was the. NTS Communications was the auction sponsor and MCM Elegante Suites was the host hotel.

All of the funds raised go to the Rehab Center. The organization’s mission since inception has been to improve the quality of life of those served regardless of their financial circumstances.