Aug. 13 will mark the 40th edition of the Circles of Hope Telethon that is a significant annual fundraiser for the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
The event will be a part of the theme for the club’s theme for 2023: “There’s No Place Like a Safe Home.”
The theme coincides with a book that is in the finishing stages of production that was put together by Chip Dixon, creative director at WBBJ, and Marisa Shoop, a videographer and editor at WBBJ.
“I’ve been involved with the telethon for most of its existence in one way or another, and I’ve learned a few things about child abuse,” Dixon said when discussing the book. “And we really wanted to put something together that would really tell the of a child who’s a victim of abuse to let others know what their perspective is like and how child abuse happens in all kinds of homes.”
The telethon itself will start at 1 p.m. and last for five hours.
Local musical acts Rev. Jesse and the Holy Smokes, Smooth Jazz Progressions, KOTA, Lower Middle Class and Paula Bridges and The Bandstand Review are set to perform.
“This organization is so important for so many children in West Tennessee,” said Trey Cleek, the chairman of the telethon. “So with this being the biggest fundraiser, it’s important to raise as much money as possible.”
Organization officials said it costs about $450,000 per month combined to run all 20 locations throughout West Tennessee, so any funds raised at the event will be important for the services they provide.
The telethon will broadcast on WBBJ with Steve Bowers and other local celebrities hosting the event.
Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news