Tonight, December 22, 2024, marks the conclusion of the 35th Telethon marathon with the gala event titled 'Bella Festa per Fondazione Telethon'. This special program, hosted by Pierluigi Diaco, will air at 21:20 on Rai1 as part of the evening's festivities.
The gala wraps up a week-long fundraising campaign involving various Rai programs and presenters, culminating in this special night dedicated to the foundation's mission over the past 35 years. The evening's theme is 'From Pain to Joy', aligning with Telethon's commitment to supporting scientific research on rare genetic diseases.
Throughout its history, Fondazione Telethon has financed 3,024 projects and supported 1,771 researchers focused on 637 diseases.
Numerous celebrated artists will join the gala, each bringing their unique flair to the evening. Confirmed performers include Alberto Bertoli and Tazenda, Alex Britti, Drupi, Fausto Leali, Michele Zarrillo, and Paolo Belli with his band. Joining them is the regular cast of 'BellaMa', featuring prominent names such as Nancy Brilli, Roberta Capua, Antonella Elia, Rita Forte, Oreste Gaudio, Valeria Marini, Memo Remigi, Domenico Restuccia, Rosa Sorrentino, and Manuela Villa.
Emotional moments are integral to the evening, with poignant speeches scheduled, including one from Don Walter Insero recounting the example set by Pope John Paul II about inspiring hope. There will also be the touching testimony of Valeria Fiorito, who received a spinal cord transplant from Fabrizio Frizzi, celebrated within the Rai's research programs dedicated to advancing medical science.
Those wishing to contribute to Telethon's mission can do so through various channels. From December 1 to 31, 2024, donors can make contributions via the solidarity number 45510, where each SMS donation costs 2 euros. Fixed-line donations can also be made, with amounts of 5 or 10 euros available through major carriers, including TIM, Vodafone, WINDTRE, Fastweb, and others.
For those preferring online giving, donations can be made with credit cards on the Telethon website or by calling the toll-free number 800 11 33 77 during the designated period. During the Telethon week, viewers will encounter QR codes on screen during broadcasts, facilitating immediate contributions via smartphones or tablets.
Viewers can not only watch 'Bella Festa per Fondazione Telethon' on television but also stream it live for free via RaiPlay, ensuring widespread access to this heartfelt cause.
The gala stands as not only a reflection of Telethon's enduring legacy but also as a beacon of hope for research advancement and support for those impacted by rare genetic diseases. With the community's support, Telethon aims to continue its efforts toward facilitating groundbreaking research and transforming lives.
