The seventh annual edition of charity TeletonUSA raised $8,160,789 for the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute of TeletonUSA (CRIT-USA) via a 28-hour broadcast on Univision.
The star-studded show aired from the Univision Studios in Miami, Los Angeles and Times Square in New York City.
Under the theme “Estamos Unidos Más Que Nunca” (“We Are United More than Ever”) internationally renowned music stars, TV personalities and influencers all came together for this great cause.
TeletonUSA started with a memorable performance of the song “Siempre Estaré Ahí” (“I Will Always Be There”) interpreted by Leslie Grace, El Dasa and Alejandra Espinoza. Adding to the special musical number, a children’s choir and the show’s hosts in Miami, Los Angeles and New York joined the trio. Astounding the audience, legendary TV personality and founder of Teleton Chile Mario Kreutzberger better known as Don Francisco made a surprise appearance to receive an award by the Teleton Foundation on the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Teleton concept in Latin America. The beloved Don Franciscoreturned as guest host on Saturday night.
The show’s unforgettable moments included the reunion on stage of young singing sensation Adrián Martín and favorite singer Natalia Jiménez. It was the first time that Martín, born with hydrocephalus, and Jiménez met since their act together in TeletonUSA 2015 went viral. Alongside Nahuel Pennisi and Joss Favela, they performed León Gieco’s legendary anthem “Solo le Pido a Dios” (“I Only Ask of God”).
Jacqie Rivera, daughter of late singer Jenni Rivera, sang Lady Gaga’s “Un Millón de Razones” (“A Million Reasons”) a song that has a deep meaning for her and her family. Becky G, Premio Lo Nuestro and Latin GRAMMY winner, surprised her brother on stage with an acoustic rendition of “Stand by Me,” a timeless classic, in Spanglish. Maite Perroni fulfilled a girl’s dream when they performed together “Asi Soy” (“This is Me”) on stage. Other artists who donated their time and talent to this great cause were Ana Barbara, Chyno, Luis Coronel, Pedro Fernandez, Larry Hernandez, Mariachi Sol De Mexico de José Hernandez, Lorenzo Mendez, Nacho, Gerardo Ortiz, Paulina Rubio and Alicia Villareal.
“We are delighted to see that for another year Univision Network was able to provide the platform to help TeletonUSA reach its goal,” said Jessica Rodriguez, president and chief operating officer of Univision Network, and chief marketing officer of Univision. “We truly appreciate our viewers’ generosity and all the people who contributed their time, money and talent to this great cause.”
Univision’s Top Talent
Hosting the event were recognised TV personalities, Fernando Arau, Karina Banda, Carlos Calderón, Lindsay Casinelli, Migbelis Castellanos, María Antonieta Collins, Tony Dandrades, Chiquinquirá Delgado, Alejandra Espinoza, Félix Fernandez, Jomari Goyso, Jackie Guerrido, Iván Kasanzew, Francisca Lachapel, Raúl Gonzalez, Maity Interiano, Karla Martínez, Carlos Loret de Mola, Raúl de Molina, Omar y Argelia, Carlos Pavón, Satcha Pretto, Pablo Ramírez, Evelyn Sicairos, Pamela Silva-Conde, Lourdes Stephen, Alan Tacher, Borja Voces and Iván Zamorano. As part of the efforts to reach a broader audience, TeletonUSA also live-streamed the show on Univision.com, Facebook and YouTube.
Donations received during TeletonUSA supports the work of CRIT USA, based in San Antonio, Texas. Since 2014, its mission has been to serve children and families with neurological, muscular and skeletal disabilities through integrated and state-of-the-art rehabilitation that empowers patients to reach their full potential. It accepts patients regardless of their ability to pay, which makes TeletonUSA especially critical to its mission.
For more information about other ways to continue support TeletonUSA Foundation and CRIT USA throughout the year please visit www.teletonusa.org