RECAP: 55th Annual West Texas Rehab Telethon raises nearly $1.5 million

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – From the musical talents of Aaron Watson, Tigirlily Gold, and Red Steagall to the hundreds of auction items, the 55th Annual West Texas Rehab Telethon & Auction truly raised the roof. More importantly, it raised vital funds that will improve the lives of hundreds of West Texans by providing access to affordable healthcare.

Each day, over 850 patients visit the West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s locations in Abilene and San Angelo. Offering a wide range of services—including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, audiology, orthotics, prosthetics, and hospice care—the center serves individuals from all walks of life. To support its mission of improving lives regardless of financial circumstances, the West Texas Rehab Center hosts its annual Telethon and Auction.

Hosting the event was a familiar face, Charlie Chase of “Crook and Chase,” who has supported the cause for 25 years.

“I can’t think of a better organization to lend support to,” Chase shared. “I’m honored to be over here.”

San Angelo reporter Senora Scott spoke with a longtime supporter of the WTRC, Linda Frysack, who creates intricately detailed quilts for the auction. Though she has designed many over the years, Frysack shared she “just ordered a bunch of new ones for future years to come.”

KLST News Director Cody Brown, V.P. & General Manager at KTAB/KRBC/Telemundo/KLST/KSAN, Albert Gutierrez, and his son George Gutierrez presented a check on behalf of Nexstar Media Group.

Albert Gutierrez shared, “It’s a great honor for us to be part of this. Every single year, we look forward to it. It’s our family affair. We love to come in and see friends.”

Denise Dennis, once a patient at the rehab center, has been working and donating for 45 years. She contributed one of the highest amounts she’s raised so far: $1,569.

At the end of the night, a grand total of $1,498,883 was raised for the 55th Annual West Texas Rehab Telethon & Auction.