Mr. Rick Berrott, TV Productions II and III teacher at Plum Senior High School, got involved with Make-A-Wish nearly two decades ago. Their involvement evolved from producing a video yearbook to actually helping others make their dreams a reality. When Rick brought the national program to Plum Senior High School in 2000, he set the goal to run the program continuously in the fall and to videotape all fundraising activities, from Mr. PHS, a semi-formal dance and car washes to spirit nights and a Make-A-Wish dinner. The footage from all of the events is edited into a highlight reel that runs during the telethon.

This year’s telethon lineup includes Mr. Chris Mueller from 93.7 the FAN; former Plum student and Inside Edition host Mr. Steve Fabian; Play by play announcer for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers Mr. Bill Hillgrove; Bubba and Mel from the 100.7 morning show; and Mr. Rick Dayton from KDKA-TV.

TV Production students love creating the seven-hour show and the National Honor Society students love organizing fundraisers. Plum High School Senior Josie Zummo said, “I am responsible for the semi-formal dance on December 14th. We are excited to raise as much money as we can for Make-A-Wish. It is inspiring to see students’ and kids’ lives touched by this organization.” 

Mr. Berrott’s favorite part of being involved with Make-A-Wish is knowing wishes coming out of Plum were sponsored by Plum Senior High School. “It’s been the best feeling to take care of our own. We’ve been truly blessed,” he said. “Our involvement in Make-A-Wish has become a tradition in Plum that sends a positive message to help others and give back.”

In 19 years, the group has raised a little over $910,000, and are on track to hit $1 million dollars!  All monies collected for Make-A-Wish go towards wishes and the most popular wish is a trip to Disneyworld.

TV Productions' Make-A-Wish Telethon will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019 from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM.