2026 Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon
tops $168K in support of HCSCA
The 54th annual Ernie Blankenship Memorial Radio-Telethon March 25, 2026 brought in more than $188,000 in pledges as the Rotary Clubs of Greenfield and Hillsboro put on events to entertain, educate and raise money for the Highland County Society for Children and Adults.
The events took place from 7-9 p.m. in the two communities, emanating from the GCTV Studios at McClain High School in Greenfield and the Hillsboro Orpheum. The Greenfield event was streamed to the Facebook page “Rotary Club of Greenfield Ohio” and via youtube. In Hillsboro, viewers watched on social media, local Spectrum TV channels or via streaming over the Internet, with periodic updates given by WVNU 97.5 FM and WSRW Radio 1590 AM.
The Greenfield event can be seen on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/NuCQj8nlRu4
The Hillsboro telethon event was also live-streamed on the Society’s website, hicoso.org and remains available for viewing.
At the end of the evening, more than $188,000 had been pledged, according to telethon chairman Rocky Coss, with additional pledges and donations anticipated.
The largest donation made at the Greenfield telethon came from Merchants National Bank, with a $2,000 check presented to Rotarians at the GCTV studios.
Other highlights from Greenfield included live interviews on WVNU 97.5 FM with Rotarians and others involved in the local effort, dancing by members of the Modern Movement Dance Company, and a preview of the upcoming MHS theatrical production, “The Wizard of Oz.”
The NCB Bank served as host for the telethon this year, helping to plan the activities, coordinating publicity, contacting donors for the auction items and seeing to it that plenty of food and refreshments were on hand for the evening. Greenfield Rotary President Quincey Gray helped to coordinate the Greenfield event with assistance from several local Rotary members.
Entertainment was provided by dancers from the Modern Movement Dance Company as well as several McClain students. Various Rotarians served as emcees or answered phones throughout the evening.
The Hillsboro event was similar to past years with many in-person donations presented and various items being auctioned, including sports memorabilia, tickets to events and travel opportunities.
The poster child for the event this year was Avery Smith of Hillsboro, and Danielle Keller of Lynchburg served as the poster adult. Both encouraged continued support of this unique charity found only in Highland County.
Special recognition was given to Hillsboro Rotarian Rocky Coss, who for many years has been instrumental in the planning of the of the radio-telethon, conducting numerous meetings with committee members and Rotary club representatives.
The Greenfield club expressed thanks to the McClain High School for allowing use of the facilities, to Drew Hamilton and his staff for broadcasting the event, to 97.5 WVNU for providing updates on the radio, and to everyone who contributed pizza, cold cuts, chips and beverages for the telethon. Also a big thank you to the Modern Movement Dance Company for providing the excellent entertainment.
The Rotary clubs and the Society for Children and Adults are grateful to the many donors who helped make the evening a success. Donations can be dropped off at any bank in Highland County. There is also a “Donate Online” button at the society’s website, www.hicoso.org where donations can be made at any time.