The 57th Annual Variety Kids Telethon raised more than $1,000,000 this past Sunday, receiving volunteer support from Legislator Jesse Gooch and his son’s Cub Scout Pack 824.

The Variety Kids Telethon gains an incredible amount of donations every year which stays directly in Western New York. One of the organizations that the telethon significantly benefits is Oishei Children’s Hospital, a place that Gooch holds close to his heart. After his son was diagnosed at the age of 2 with ITP, a blood disorder which causes easy bruising and bleeding due to low blood platelets, Gooch proudly continues his involvement with Oishei Children’s Hospital.

“My son Tyler and I have been participating in the Channel 7 Variety Kids Telethon for quite some time now and the amount of support that the community provides never ceases to amaze me. God bless the children and staff that are involved with Children’s Hospital,” Gooch said.

This year, Gooch brought his son’s Cub Scout Pack 824 to help volunteer for the day. Some of the volunteers started bright and early at 6 a.m. and did not leave until the 11 hour telethon was completed.

Gooch gained inspiration from the Variety Kids Telethon and even started his own annual Christmas Eve Toy Drive that he started 14 years ago. He said, “Every Christmas Eve, my son and I dress up in Santa hats and bring a wagon full of toys to Children’s Hospital to pass out to all the kids. It always puts a smile on their faces.”

The Variety Kids Telethon not only raises funds for great organizations that provide care, but also raises the spirits of everyone it impacts.