Teletón Reached Goal
As of late last night, the total raised by this year's "teletón" reached ¢302.241.068 colones (us$586.800 dollars), surpassing the goal of ¢300 million colones set by the organizers.

The donations will be used to help pay for the costs of erecting a new medical wing to the Hospital Nacional de Niños (Children's hospital), that will be used mainly as an emeregency care centre.

The existing building is old and one room is used to treat emergencies, while the new building will be seven floors, with one floor dedicated only to emergency care.

This year's goal was met thanks to a last minute donation by the Guías y Scouts de Costa Rica (Boy Scouts and Girl Guides) of ¢71 million colones and the Jornadas de Vida Cristiana who pledged ¢19.6 million colones.

This year's teletón, unlike the last couple of years, was exciting and the people responded. Performances by Mexico's Gloria Trevi and David Bisbal filled the Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, as well moving television viewers to make donations.

All went well this year. However, like in the past years, the organizers did a poor job of organizing essential elements of the teletón, like press conferences with the artists. Some of the production segments lacked planning, especially in the area of sponsors for the various events.

Donations are still being accepted. You can make your donation at: http://www.ayudemos.com/