LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 68th WHAS Crusade for Children is here.
This annual event helps raise millions of dollars for children with special needs in Kentucky and Indiana. But none of it would be possible without your donations and support.
Whether this is the first time you're tuning in or you're a long-time viewer, here's what you need to know about this year's Crusade for Children.
When is Crusade?
The 2021 Crusade for Children telethon will be held on June 5 and 6. Everything kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday and the tote board with the final donation tally will be revealed around 7 p.m. Sunday.
Where can I watch it?
The telethon will be shown in its entirety on WHAS-TV in Louisville, WHAS Radio (AM 840) and on the WHAS11 website (whas11.com) and Facebook page.
Additional live broadcasts will be shown on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 6 on WBNA-TV in Louisville and WBKO-TV in Bowling Green.
You can follow donation updates on WHASCrusade.org.
Variety Show
This year's Variety Show, hosted by WHAS11's Shay McAlister and 840 WHAS Radio host Terry Meiners, will be virtual due to COVID-19. The show will begin on June 5 at 7 p.m.
The show will feature performances from:
- JD Shelburne
- Magicians Lance Burton and Mac King
- The Louisville Leopard Percussionists
- DCorey Johnson
- Magician David Garrard
- And many more!
How can I donate to the Crusade?
There are several different ways to donate to the WHAS Crusade for Children. If you want to donate in person, check with your local fire department to see if they're hosting any events for this year's fundraiser.
You can mail in donations to the following address:
WHAS Crusade for Children
520 W. Chestnut Street
Louisville, KY 40202
You can also support local fire departments' fundraising efforts by donating online. Enter your department's name when you donate using the following contactless methods:
- Purchase merchandise from CrusadeWear.com
- Text CRUSADE to 50155
- Venmo: @CrusadeforChildren
- CashApp: $CrusadeforChildren
- Paypal: WHAS Crusade for Children
- Online: WHASCrusade.org
Facebook users can also host a Facebook fundraiser for the WHAS Crusade for Children by using this link.
As always, 100% of your donations are given directly to the organizations supported by the Crusade.
What is the WHAS Crusade for Children?
The annual radio/telethon was established by WHAS-TV in 1954. The event raises money to donate to agencies, hospitals and schools that serve children with special needs in Kentucky and southern Indiana.
Local fire departments do the bulk of the work, collecting nearly 60% of Crusade donations through roadblocks and other events.
Since its inception, the Crusade has raised nearly $195 million, helping millions of children in our area. You can learn more about the history of the Crusade here.
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