GaCo Telethon Set for Labor Day Weekend

Garrett County Public High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1629, GaCo, will be holding its second “biennial” telethon on Saturday, August 30, 2025. It will be broadcast as a live YouTube event.

The telethon will start at 7:00 am and continue until 11:29 pm for a total of 16 hours and 29 minutes in recognition of the team’s official number, 1629. During the telethon, GaCo will be reminiscing and celebrating its 21-year history as well as kicking off its Fall Fundraising Campaign. The team’s fundraising goal is $16,290, which will be used to help meet the team’s expenses for its 22nd year.

The team is excited to announce that Gary and Luanne Ruddell of Total Biz Fulfillment have offered to match the first $5,000 that is donated as part of their 2025 telethon. According to a team spokesperson, “We are so grateful to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce for hosting our telethon and to the Ruddells for their very gracious offer. Their match will certainly get our fundraiser off to a great start and is so encouraging!”

During the telethon, GaCo will be talking with current and past members of the team and those who support GaCo, including representatives from Garrett County Public Schools. According to GaCo, “we want to highlight not only what we do, but many of the other wonderful nonprofits, businesses, and organizations that make Garrett County such a special place.”

A link to the telethon will be posted on the day of the event on the team’s website at stemreadykids.org and on the team’s social media. @gaco1629. Those interested in knowing more about the event can reach out to gaco@gcps.net.