“I Will Donate $50 from My Treatment…”
This was just a glimpse of the remarkable wave of donations that poured in during the 2017 Stouh Beirut Telethon, organized for the fifth consecutive year by journalist Dalia Dagher, her Stouh Beirut team, and OTV. The telethon continued to spread hope and support for people and families in urgent need, and the feeling it evoked was one of the most beautiful experiences one could have during the holiday season.
On the evening of December 23, 2017, starting at 6:30 PM, Dagher launched the fifth telethon, hosting Father Elias Maroun Gharios. She introduced ten cases of families and individuals who had been severely affected by illness and hardship, selected from a pool of sixty families with critical needs.
The goal was to raise $450,000, a significant sum, considering the difficult economic situation in Lebanon. Dagher acknowledged the challenge, saying: “I understand people’s situation, but even a widow’s small coin can create wealth. Solidarity is needed because the dignity of the families who entrusted us with their stories is our responsibility during this occasion.”
Lebanese citizens and viewers from around the world, young and old, came together to contribute. The participation of children, families in need, and those with limited income, even with small amounts, was particularly moving.
With the support of guests from diverse backgrounds, religious affiliations, and political movements, the telethon raised approximately $500,000 after six hours of live broadcast. Any additional funds collected beyond this goal were allocated to cases not presented on air, continuing the practice Dagher and the Beirut Rooftops association had established.
The results and updates on improving the beneficiaries’ lives and following up on their medical procedures were expected to be announced about six months later at a press conference, as had been done the previous year.
Dagher, her team, and OTV delivered one of the most remarkable holiday broadcasts on Lebanese television, demonstrating generosity, solidarity, and hope.
Les Toits de Beyrouth
