On December 14-15, Spanish-language network Univision will be launching TeletónUSA, a foundation dedicated to benefiting children with disabilities, cancer and autism. The Teletón will be a 27 hour-long event that will look to fundraise for the children and will be hosted by Teletón Chile founder Mario Kreutzberger "Don Francisco" and others.
The event, which will be aired by Univision, hopes to raise seven million dollars to build a rehabilitation center in the United States. Hosted by TV show host Don Francisco, journalist Jorge Ramos, singer Lucero and actress Galilea Montijo, TeletónUSA will also feature a bevy of surprise entertainers.
In a statement released in October, Cesar Conde, president of Univision Networks, said, "We're thrilled to launch this historic event in the United States. For the first time, all of the money raised in this telethon will be used to benefit disabled children in this country. This event will undoubtedly have a huge impact in our community, bringing hope and help to thousands of families that desperately need these services to improve their quality of life."
The Teletón, which got its start in 1978 in Chile, has been an enormous success in Latin America. According to Univision, the Teletón is held in 13 Latin American countries: Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. Through TeletónUSA, Univision hopes to unite the Hispanic community under a common cause.
This year, the Teletón in Chile is being held Nov.30 - Dec. 1 and in Mexico Dec.7-8. Teletón Chile, which has become a national event with various networks and entertainers coming together, hopes to raise $21,735,065,277 (Chilean Pesos) or approximately 45 million USD. You can watch Day 2 of Teletón Chile live here.