telethon
telethon — noun
- telethonsingular
- telethonsplural
1. a television event that lasts for many hours and is organised to collect money f
a television event that lasts for many hours and is organised to collect money for people who need help; viewers call or donate online while the programme is happening live
Amani watched the twelve-hour telethon and donated fifty dollars to the hospital fund.
collocation: watch a telethon / donate to a telethon
The annual telethon was run by local charities to help families hit by the floods.
passive: be run by [organiser]
Last year's telethon raised enough money for new books in every school across the city.
Eleni and Tariro performed on stage during the telethon to encourage viewers to give generously.
Jisoo watched the telethon until midnight and called in to donate fifty dollars.
- fundraiser
a general term for any event or activity that collects money; not limited to television
- charity event
a broader term that can describe dinners, runs, or sales — no specific TV format implied
- benefit concert
a music-focused event where proceeds go to a cause; usually shorter and not a full variety show