News-Press to host holiday telethon

OSBURN — There’s going to be a new look for the Dave Smith Motors Christmas Fund telethon this season.

For decades, Dave Smith has partnered with Shoshone County and the now-defunct radio station KWAL in an effort to raise funds to provide holiday meals for local families in need.

Over the years, the December event has raised more than $10,000 per year consistently, with Dave Smith matching every dollar donated up to $5,000.

Event organizer Peggy White took the concept and ran with it, growing the event in terms of participation and success and even making sure that the surplus of funds raised get to other local groups in need who have the same goal.

“After the meals are purchased for the families, the money that is left over is donated directly to the Silver Valley Meals on Wheels program,” she said.

Last year, 271 families had full holiday meals provided for them through the fundraiser and its partnership with the local grocery stores.

White has been involved with the event for quite some time herself, but is passing the torch to the new Shoshone County Clerk-elect Tamie Lewis-Eberhard, who will be joining forces with White to learn the ropes of the telethon.

“It’s been a lot of fun and a lot of work over the years,” White said. “I’m happy to hand the reins over to Tamie and see where she takes it.”

This year, with KWAL’s closure, the event needed a new home and the Shoshone News-Press made the choice to be the event’s hub.

Much like previous years where local “celebrities” get brought in to raise funds by calling their friends, family members, or making challenges to other groups people, or entities — the News-Press will have an open house of sorts for people to come and participate like they always have.

With the News-Press’s expanding social media presence and the ease of access that comes with Facebook Live, the event will also feature multiple live videos with local cameos in hopes that the event can capture the spirit of its predecessor and hopefully surpass its previous successes.

For Keri Alexander, publisher at the SNP, getting involved in the event was a no-brainer and something that Alexander is very passionate about.

“I didn’t think twice when Peggy White asked if we would be interested in partnering with the Dave Smith Motors Christmas Fund,” Alexander said. “I’m thrilled that our team can help get the word out, and donate our time by hosting the event in our office on Dec. 4. This fundraiser provides local families in need with groceries to prepare a special holiday meal. There’s nothing better than breaking bread with the ones we love.”

White has set a $15,000 goal for this year’s event.

As Alexander mentioned, the Dave Smith Motors Christmas Fund Telethon will be on Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors can drop by the SNP Osburn office, located at 620 E. Mullan Ave., during that time, or may call in at 208-752-1120 to make a donation.

Like our Shoshone News-Press Facebook page for access to the fun and exclusive interviews that will be conducted throughout the day!