UCP Telethon

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WRAL-TV and the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) telethon share a history that goes back more than four decades.

WRAL-TV began televising UCP’s “Star Fest” telethon in 1969 and the fundraiser appeared annually on Channel 5 for the next 30 years—helping to raise millions of dollars to aid in the fight against the disorder.

Star Fest was one of the first annual telethons in the country. It was created in 1950 by network television executive Leonard Goldenson, whose child had the disorder. Television personality Dennis James was the first nationwide host, and he visited Raleigh on occasion to help with local fundraising efforts.

Longtime WRAL anchorman Charlie Gaddy is most-closely associated with the station’s telethon broadcasts. Gaddy hosted Star Fest for many years and UCP honored him for his efforts by naming a children’s treatment center for him after he retired.

In 2000, the WRAL Star Fest broadcast had to be canceled because of a record-breaking snow-fall that blanketed North Carolina. The next year, Gaddy and WRAL’s on-air personalities returned to raise more than $230,000 for UCP of North Carolina.

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Highlights for UCP Telethon

United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in Raleigh 1971

WRAL-TV participated in the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon for many years. During the early years, UCP used a different approach to their telethons compared to later years. From 1950 until 1979, they would travel to major cities on a monthly and broadcast over one station in that television market. It was a grass roots approach that brought entertainment stars – in person, to the viewers.

In 1971, the UCP telethon aired live from the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. The host was Dennis James. Entertainment was provided by actor Burt Reynolds from the ABC show Dan August, actor James Brolin from the ABC show Marcus Welby MD, actor Linda Chrystal from the NBC show High Chaparral, child actor Johnny Whitaker from the CBS show Family Affair, singer Ruth McFadden, Nashville singer Demitrius Tapp.

At 54 minutes into the video, you will see WRAL’s Charlie Gaddy sing with backup singers.

This is the first hour of the telethon.
UCP Telethon

WRAL-TV anchor John Hudson makes his pitch at the UCP Telethon
UCP Telethon

Charlie Gaddy hosting a fundraising segment of the UCP Telethon.

UCP Telethon

Highlights for UCP Telethon

United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in Raleigh 1971

UCP Telethon

UCP Telethon