Locally produced telethon returns on Dec. 17 to raise funds for Compassionate Ministries

CHEBOYGAN — A year ago, good friends Brian and Sharen Lange and Nate King were trying to figure out a way to raise money for Cheboygan Compassionate Ministries and The Lord's Kitchen, which has been providing access to a warm meal, clothing and shower facilities to those who are struggling.

"My husband is a trained musician and we have lot of friends who are also musicians," said Sharen Lange, who with Brian operates The Nauti Inn Barstro. Sharen also serves as the economic development coordinator for Cheboygan County. King, a musician, is a teacher in the Cheboygan schools.

Inspired by the success entertainer Jerry Lewis had with his annual Labor Day telethon in raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hoping to showcase the talent of their musical friends, the Langes and King came up with the idea of a telethon broadcast over Facebook Live.

So King, the Langes and other volunteers produced the first annual CheGive a’Thon in 2022 that raised over $12,000 for Compassionate Ministries and the Lord’s Kitchen. The telethon will return this year from 2-10 p.m. on Dec. 17. Viewers can watch the telethon via Facebook Live, a feature used to broadcast real-time video, using this link.

The program originates from the Cheboygan River Studio which is in the basement of the Langes' home.

"Within our home we will probably have 30 different camera angles and we will cut to different areas in the house for the performances," said Sharen. "We will have caroling groups that will sing in front of our fireplace. I have an interview area set up where I can talk with participants and community leaders."

While watching the telethon, viewers can call a number on the screen to make a donation.

"People will also be able to text a number so their contribution can go directly to Compassionate Ministries/Lord’s Kitchen," Sharen said.

“We’re still finalizing the lineup, but already have five music groups, several special guest interviews, unique variety acts and lots of positive cheer scheduled," Sharen added. “While Nate and Brian are responsible for the music and ensure a smooth technical broadcast, I co-host the show with interviews, performer introductions, and of course Jerry Lewis style ‘Timpani’ rolls as donations come in.”

Subscribe Check out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you

Volunteers will also be working behind the scenes to help operate the equipment, park cars and provide food to the telethon participants. If you are interested in volunteering your time for the event, email Sharen.

"It's a fun way to showcase talent and raise money for a very worthy cause," said Sharen. "They (Compassionate Ministries/Lord’s Kitchen) are very community oriented and 100 percent volunteer driven to provide the basic essentials to those who need it in Cheboygan."

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Cheboygan telethon returns Dec. 17 to raise funds for Compassionate Ministries