SANFORD — Mid-March means it’s time for folks to place that phone call to the Waban Telethon. Set for Saturday, the event, sponsored by St. Thérèse de Lisieux Parish, supports programs for children with developmental disabilities.

The 43rd annual Waban Telethon will be held at St. Ignatius Gym, also known at St. Thérèse Parish hall, on Riverside Avenue in Sanford, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Television coverage will be produced by Metrocast (Channel 12) in conjunction with Time-Warner (Maine Channel 9 and N.H. Channel 21 and 22). This year’s viewing area will be from Kittery to Presque Isle, as well as most of New Hampshire, according to Waban officials.

“Every year, hundreds of children with autism, Down syndrome, developmental delay and other special needs receive thousands of hours of early intervention, therapy and special programing from Waban that enable them to be mainstreamed in schools and develop the skills that they will need to be successful later in life,” said Waban Executive Director Neal Meltzer. “Funds for this type of intense programming are always in short supply, and it is through community-based efforts such as Waban’s annual telethon that we are able to provide these essential services.

“The telethon is our major fundraising activity and an important community event.”

Over the past 42 years, more than $2 million has been raised through the telethon. Last year, individuals, businesses and organizations came together and supported Waban by raising $90,400.

Meltzer, in a prepared statement, said the funds are used for developmental therapy, specialized equipment, therapeutic recreation, and other educational and habilitation-based services for children who attend Waban’s Fraser-Ford Child Development Center or who receive services from the Children’s Case Management Program.

In the course of one year, the Fraser-Ford Child Development Center provides service to more than 150 children ages 3-5, the Infant Toddler Program will support more than 40 children ages birth through 2 1/2, while the Children’s Case Management Program will provide services to more than 175 children and their families.

Telethon hosts include WCSH meteorologist Kevin Mannix and R.J. and Jim Legere, and some long-time telethon volunteers, Bud and Sandy Legere.

A number of entertainers will perform, including renowned fiddler Ben Guillemette.

Certificates for merchandise and other gifts ”“ from furniture to sports memorabilia and travel tickets ”“ donated by merchants, businesses and individuals, will be given away in return for donations and pledges throughout the day. A more complete listing of raffle and gift items can be found by clicking the pledge item link on the home page of Waban’s website at www.waban.org or at www.facebook.com/wabanprojects. As well, they’ll be tweeting throughout the day with updates @wabanmatters.

Folks may dine all day at the telethon, from breakfast to lunch with hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches and more.

Contributors may make donations prior to and after the telethon at Sanford Institution for Savings, 900 Main St. in Sanford. Donations may be called in during the day of the telethon by calling 324-5344 or 1-877-544-4275 or by accessing PayPal on Waban’s website at www.waban.org.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.