Teleton 2011

(with the strength of the heart)

I have been hesitating to write about Chilean philanthropy because I really can't get a handle on it.  Instead, what I am recognizing is how unique the culture of philanthropy and volunteering is to the U.S.  When I ask Chilean's about it they all automatically proudly say "We have the Teleton."  The teleton is an annual "telethon" to raise money for developmentally disabled children.  The whole country seems to rally around this cause for a month and it culminates with a 27-hour telethon.  Last year they raised $37M for the cause.  Everywhere you go people are asking for a few pesos here and a few there that somehow must add up to this.  This year's teleton is going on right now December 2-3.  They had an event at the Estadio last weekend where they sponsored a bingo game for $2/card and the kids youth group had another bingo game today for $4/card.  Cars have banners painted on them as if they were going to the State swim meet saying "Teleton Dic. 2-3" with the accent mark over the "o" written as a heart.

Don Francisco, the host since its inception in 1978

Based on my informal interview with Rob, he says that there isn't a culture of giving money to charity (unless it is your church) in Latin America.  Perhaps the assumption is that the government will take care of all of the needs of the under-served/disabled etc. Hmmmmm - maybe we have something to learn????  Based on the number of disabled people begging on street corners, I am not so sure it is working here though.  Rob also just told me that part of the appeal of the Teleton is that they air scantily clad woman throughout the broadcast hanging out with the long time host Don Francisco (aka, M.O.T. Mario Kreutzberger).

What would Jerry Lewis do?..