04/03/2026
🎉It’s 29 weeks until our 50th Telethon! 🎉
The countdown is on to celebrate five decades of community spirit, generosity, and making a difference together!
Year: 1999
President: Larry Elash
Goal: $140,000.00
Total Raised: $150,741.64
The year was 1999. No one was quite sure what would happen at the turn of the century, but at the time of the Telethon, it was the last thing on anyone’s mind.
Larry Elash, who is serving as this year’s co-president alongside Lynn Trobert, was president that year. It also marked the beginning of the now-infamous blue denim United Way shirt era.
There were a few other memorable moments too. Larry was out and about handing out golden slips of paper that no one can quite remember the purpose of (if you know, let us know!). There was even a crane set up outside the mall for reasons that may also be up for debate.
Each year brings something different, shaped by the people who are passionately involved. Whether it was the shirts, the energy in the room, or maybe even Larry’s unmistakable footwear, 1999 had its own sense of style.
📸 Do you remember the denim shirts, the golden slips, or have a favourite Telethon moment from the years?
We’d love to hear your story. Comment below or send your photos and memories to [email protected] to be featured as we count down to 50 years of supporting the community!
