Sikeston Standard Democrat: Local News: KRCC sets a $500,000 goal (03/10/10)

Jill Bock, Staff Michael Pobst, left, Alliance Bank community president, receives information on tax credits made possible by donations to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center from Board President Jerry Pullen. Center staff are gearing up for this year's 30th annual Telethon, during which they hope to raise $500,000.

SIKESTON -- Michelle Fayette knew that setting a $500,000 fundraising goal for this year's Kenny Rogers Children's Center Telethon was huge. The amount is practically double the just over $300,000 raised in 2009.

So the executive director of the Center broke it into smaller "bite-sized pieces." With new fundraisers and other donation opportunities, Fayette said she is in hopes the Center will reach its goal at the 30th Annual Telethon, set for March 20-21.

"I figure that $500,000 is 500 $1,000 pledges," she said. And to give some a benefit for their donations, this year the Center is able to offer tax credits for its donors.

"If you have business income this is the easiest way that you can ever give," said Fayette, noting the credits apply to anyone with a tax liability in the state, whether its rental income, physicians or others who are self-employed. "You get about 50 percent of your pledge back (as a credit) when it's tax time. The hope is that a person who normally donates $5,000 will donate $10,000 and actually save some money in the long run."

For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.