Johnson City, Tennessee — 10/4/2024— In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the community’s overwhelming response to the United Way of East TN Highlands telethon has been nothing short of inspirational. The event, hosted by WJHL, proved a significant success, raising $710,000 through community members and businesses, bolstering the Emergency Relief Fund dedicated to helping victims of the hurricane.
We immensely grateful to the major businesses that stepped forward with substantial donations during this critical time. TPI Corporation lead our fundraising efforts with an extraordinary donation of $150,000, exemplifying true community leadership. AT&T committed to a $50,000 donation. Calvary Church in Johnson City was one of the first to step up with a $25,000 donation. ES Dockery Inc. and Mooneyhan Family Foundation both generously added $20,000, R-2 Communications donated $5,000 while the automotive industry united in support: Johnson City Toyota, Johnson City Ford, Honda Kingsport, Thornhill Auto Group, and Friendship Family of Dealerships each contributed $10,000. Your Tri-Cities Ford Dealers donated a total of $25,000 and Ford dealers outside our area donated another $25,000. Additionally, Garza Law Firm demonstrated their commitment with a $10,000 donation. Celebrated actress Pauley Perrette, whose family resides in the region, showed her support with a heartfelt contribution of $30,000.
“The outpouring of support from our community has truly touched our hearts,” said Leslie Dalton, CEO of United Way of East TN Highlands. “These contributions reflect a shared commitment to recovery and rebuilding that defines our region. We extend our deepest thanks to the companies and every individual who contributed during the telethon.” News Channel 11’s General Manager and Vice President Paula Jackson praised the local donation efforts. “It was amazing seeing local businesses and individuals come together to raise this amount of money so quickly. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength and generosity that define our community.”
These funds are instrumental as essential services and support are being given to those devastated by Hurricane Helene. All donations will stay local to Northeast Tennessee. United Way of East TN Highlands has local staff and board members that are working with emergency management teams and community leaders to identify local nonprofit organizations who are working in the most effective and efficient way to assist those effected by this disaster. United Way of East TN Highlands will not take any administrative or fundraising fees out of these donations. 100% of donations will stay local and 100% will go to help our community recover and rebuild.
For anyone who would like to contribute visit, www.unitedwayetnh.org/help. Donations will continue to be accepted until all needs in our community related to Hurricane Helene are met.
To find volunteer opportunities visit Volunteer-United.org.
For ongoing updates on the relief efforts or to contribute further, please visit unitedwayetnh.org/help or follow United Way of East TN Highlands for the most up-to-date information.
About United Way of East TN Highlands: United Way of East TN Highlands works tirelessly to address the needs of our community, focusing on health, education, and financial stability. In times of crisis and every day, we aim to unite resources and people to create lasting changes that improve lives.
Media Contact: Leslie Dalton, CEO of United Way of East TN Highlands, 423-220-1229
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