News anchors take the plunge for Easterseals

On one of the hottest days of this summer, WTRF News Anchors Steven Moore and Brendan McNamara had the opportunity to cool off in the dunk tank to raise money for Easterseals Rehabilitation Center at the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival at Heritage Port.

The Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembly has sponsored the tank at the festival for several years as a way to support local charities. This year, WTRF-TV 7's Moore and McNamara took the plunge for Easterseals. WTRF has long partnered with Easterseals, going back to the days of the annual Easterseals Telethon, a fundraiser that took place from the 1970s through 2019.

On Thursday, Dave Cantrell of the Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembly presented a check to Easterseals President and CEO Eric Filberto for $500. 

This is a prime example of what occurs when the whole community comes together to help our clients receive life-changing therapies here at Easterseals. We are grateful to the Italian Festival, WTRF, The Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembly, and all those who donated to dunk Brendan and Steven. They are really good sports! — Eric Filberto, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center President and CEO

Cantrell said they donated a total of $4,000 to 10 charities this year.

McNamara and Moore agreed they had a lot of fun and appreciated the cold water on a weekend that saw highs in the 90s.

WTRF-TV 7 Reporter Annalise Murphy shot a live video of Moore's neighbors taking turns to dunk him. One of them made quick work of it. For a higher dollar donation, festival-goers could walk up and push the lever to ensure a soaking. 

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