The Rehabilitation Center staff and Board of Directors are busy getting ready for the annual Search for the Stars Telethon. "In fact," said Susan Vardell, Rehab Center executive director, "this year's planning is well under way. It promises to be one of our best shows ever."

The Telethon will be held at Austin College's Ida Green Theater from 2-8 p.m. on Aug. 15. Talent auditions will be held at Midway Mall Aug. 1. "An array of talent always makes the event so much fun to view on TV and to attend," said Vardell in a press release. Typically, talent can be of any age and any variety, solo or groups. Anyone interested in learning more about performing should visit the Center's Web site www.TheRehabCenter.net where the rules and an application can be found or call 903-893-7457. The event will award $2,000 prize money.

"The purpose of the event is to raise funds to support rehabilitation services to children and adults in our area," said Board of Directors President Debra Bohuslav. The goal this year is to raise $58,000 and there are many opportunities for the community to add its support. The Center is currently seeking sponsors at $250, $500, and $1,000. Donations of any amount are also encouraged and welcome. Performers and viewers may prefer to have their donations to not only help secure rehab services but to count toward the People's Choice Award. This is done by naming the performer when making a gift. Gifts can be sent prior to the event to P.O. Box 453, Sherman. Texas 75091 or phone banks will be open during the event for everyone to call in their pledges.

The event is produced by Cable One and will be aired on Channel 31. Many volunteers are also used throughout the event and are key to the event's success, Vardell said.

The Rehabilitation Center was founded 59 years ago to provide quality rehabilitative services to children and adults dealing with disabilities and disorders. It is a non-profit, United Way agency which provides services to families based on their ability to pay for professional care. Services include speech and language therapy, physical and aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, a sensory integration clinic for children with special needs and aquatic arthritis classes.

The Center is a Medicare and Medicaid provider and participates with many insurance companies including Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

"Stay tuned!" Vardell said.