2024 'Great Give' Livestream Telethon Is A Go For East Haven Public TV

EAST HAVEN, CT — For a second year, East Haven Public Television is planning a live-streamed telethon to commemorate The Great Give.

The free telethon will be viewable live on the ETV Facebook page May 1 at 7 p.m., and is set to include performances from three local musicians, special guests, and the premiere of exclusive content.

The New Haven folk duo Two in the Boot are the first on the lineup for the live stream. Also based in New Haven and taking the ETV stage is singer-songwriter Lars & Their Lilac Uke, sure to dazzle with original music on their whimsical ukulele. Lys Guillorn of Shelton, a multi instrumentalist, completes the set with a psychedelic sound described as genre-bending.

Among special guests set to appear and be interviewed is East Haven Historical Society President Michelle Piercey.

Billy DiCrosta, neighbor to ETV at his business Cabaret on Main, will take the stage as well — a familiar concept to the leader in theater. His scheduled appearance on the cast sits between performances of Matilda, the company’s spring musical.

Ken Engelman of Community Volunteers United will also be featured. Engelman is responsible for his “Please Be Kind” messaging spotted across the county, repurposing political campaign yard signs to “engage people on being kind.”

"With sights set on acquiring a PA system, ETV affixed a donation goal of $3,000 to its Great Give participation this year," the local TV station shared in a news release. The additional technology would allow ETV to host a range of performances and provide the best experience possible for an audience.

According to ETV Community Coordinator Noelle Veillette, a PA system would “raise the bar” for the studio as a venue.

“We can’t wait to invite the public to live music and other special events at the studio,” Veillette said. “With the caliber of entertainment lined up for the telethon and support of our sponsors, this goal is in sight.”

Sponsors for the livestream event include Donny’s Drywall, Calcagni Realty, Home Comfort Heating & Cooling Solutions, and CarMax.

What to know

To view the event on the evening of May 1, visit the ETV Facebook page at facebook.com/theRealETV. A recording of the event will also be available.

Those interested in contributing to ETV during The Great Give 2024 can visit thegreatgive.org/organizations/east-haven-public-television. Donation tiers range from $5 to $50 and can include prizes and members benefits.

The Great Give is an annual fundraising event, sponsored and coordinated by the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, which aids nonprofits and arts organizations to raise funds, build support, and fuel growth.

About East Haven Public Television

East Haven Public Television (ETV) is the nonprofit cable access and Community Media Center in East Haven, CT serving a diverse community of members, producers, and viewers. ETV operates 3 PEG stations, including town government, educational, and independent programming, across traditional and emerging broadcast platforms. To learn more, visit www.easthaven.tv.