Smoky Mountain News

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park raised $192,157 last week during the annual “Friends Across the Mountains” telethon broadcast on WLOS locally as well as stations in Tennessee.

“As far as I am aware, the Smokies is the only national park that is fortunate enough to have its own two-state telethon. Over the years telethon funding has helped us to significantly increase our ability to protect the Park’s flora and fauna and to improve services and facilities for our millions of visitors,” said Dale Ditmanson, Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Mast General Store was among the telethon sponsors.