Don Francisco, farewell to the Telethon after 44 years. Photo: EFE
The famous Chilean conductor Mario Kreutzberger, more known throughout the world as Don Franciscoannounced his retirement from Telethon, a show of solidarity aimed at the rehabilitation of people with disabilities which he directed since its first version, in 1978.
Through a letter published in the Chilean newspaper Mercury, the TV presenter thanked the entire Chilean population for having “made the Telethon their own and have been the fundamental pillars of this great work”. La Teletón is an annual charity television event held in Chile since 1978.
The great success it has had in his country has allowed its expansion on the screens of other countries in the region, which have copied the format.
Don Francisco spent 44 years conducting the annual Telethon charity event for Chilean television Photo: EFE
“(…) when we started in 1978, it was impossible to imagine what we could have achieved between all of us. Chile has made an effort, and always could. The best dreams have come true thanks to the Chileans. It is an act of solidarity that has made it possible to rehabilitate more than 100,000 boys and girls, young people and families “, he said in the open letter.
Underlining the institute’s role in providing free care to 32,000 patients from Arica, in the far north of the country, to Coyahique, in the south, Don Francisco stressed that, despite his retirement from the front line of the organization, he will continue to be present ” as long as the forces allow it “.
a tv man
Don Francesco, who next December he will be 82 years oldwas already popular when he started directing the Telethon because he was the host of another successful omnibus program, Giant Saturday aired between 1962 and 2015, from Miami. The cycle has made it very famous also in the other countries where the program has been broadcast, since 1986.
Regarding the Telethon, he said: “As you know, I think it is time to step aside. On the way to turning 82, it seems responsible and necessary to me. I will not lead the campaign, but I will always be and, as long as mine forces will allow me, I will continue to collaborate with Telethon where and when they need me “.
And he added: “In my reflection, I am convinced that Telethon is not the work of a particular person or group. Telethon is a collective heritage that makes Chile proud; it belongs to the whole country and we have many reasons to feel all proud of what we have achieved, acting in community and with solidarity “.
The Chilean driver Mario Kreutzberger, known as Don Francisco. A life dedicated to television and more than a controversy. Photo: EFE.
An export program
The first Telethon in Chile and Latin America was a charity event broadcast for over 24 hours on live television, and was held in 1978, while the country was experiencing its fifth year of civic-military dictatorship under the command of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990).
After the success, the event was exported to various countries of the American continent, reaching Asia and Europe in the following years.
Over the decades, Don Francisco, transformed into an icon of popular culture in Chile and America, has not been without controversy throughout his career.
In 2018, the publication of an unauthorized biography provided details on the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power by the driver, pointing to an alleged “circle of protection” around the popular TV personality.
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Source: Clarin
