Plum’s annual Make-A-Wish telethon is set to return later this month for its 25th edition.

The livestreamed event has raised $1.19 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation since it began in 1999. But organizers are hoping to crack the $1.25 million mark this year, according to Plum High School teacher and longtime showrunner Rick Berrott.

The telethon will run Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit that operates throughout the country, helps grant wishes for seriously ill children. Last year’s telethon garnered $53,700 for the foundation.

This year, Berrott said, viewers can expect more than 100 guests to appear over the nearly 14-hour show.

“It’s a good variety of Plum alums and local Pittsburgh personalities,” he said.

That includes Pirates announcer Greg Brown, Penguins commentator Dan Kingerski, Apple Sports producer and Plum alumnus Patrick Muldowney and several local media figures, Berrott said.

Some of the this year’s guests — such as WTAE reporter Jordan Cioppa — helped run the telethon during their times at Plum, Berrott said.

“Their lives have gone full circle,” he said. “I’m overjoyed to see it.”

The telethon has run every year since 1999, except in 2020 because of pandemic restrictions.

A quarter-century later, Berrott said he’s feeling old — but fulfilled.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I never thought we’d be at 25 years helping people.”

In the coming weeks, Berrott said, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be installing a commemorative mural at the high school to honor the telethon’s 25th edition.

A pickleball tournament at the high school just before the Thanksgiving break also generated about $1,200 for the event, Berrott said.

More than 60 Plum students from Berrott’s television production classes will take the reins for the event, writing scripts, interviewing guests and managing the set.

“For some, this is the reason they took TV (class) — for this event,” Berrott said.

Among the eight student hosts of the telethon is Berrott’s youngest son, Parker.

Parker said preparation for the event has been stressful, but the Plum senior and his peers are excited.

“There have been hours upon hours upon hours (of work),” Parker said.

The telethon, older than Parker himself, is also a significant milestone for his family.

In addition to his father, Parker’s mother, Jennifer — a Pivik Elementary School teacher — and two elder siblings have each helped to organize and shape the event over the years.

“It’s a really special moment,” he said. “I think people will follow in my dad’s footsteps.”

Those interested can donate to the fund before or during the telethon at pbsd.info/MakeAWish.

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