The Telethon 2016 in Costa Rica surpassed its goal and was able to collect over 1,200 million colones, the equivalent to $2,196,140.76 USD.

27 hours of work paid off, as the night fell this past Saturday, December 3rd in Costa Rica, the board of the 2016 Telethon was not even close to reaching the established goal of 690 million colones ($1,254,310 USD), the attending audience and the different personalities hosting the event continued to request help and encourage Costa Ricans to continue donating; at 11:30 p.m. the amount gathered added to almost 409 million colones (around $743,500 USD).

The surprise came early Sunday morning, at 1:30 a.m. the accumulated total was of 708,104,541.00 colones ($1,287,220.75 USD) the goal had been reached and surpassed, but the night was not over and with the donation of Costa Rica’s National Bank which came in with 500 million colones (Approximately $908,920.00 USD) and the Costa Rica Guides and Scouts which donated 176 million colones (close to $319,940.00 USD) the total amount collected was almost doubled.

The funds collected will be destined 50% to the National Pediatrics Network: The Children’s Hospital, the Carit Maternity and the Max Teran Hospital in Quepos, while the remaining 50% will go to those affected by Hurricane Otto.

The girl symbol of the Costa Rican Telethon this year was 3 year old Annagabí Valerio who was born with her nose closed and was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome a genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of some skull bones which prevents the skull from growing normally and affects the shape of the head and face among other many problems.

Different Costa Rican singers, personalities and entertainers took part of this year’s edition of the Telethon to promote donations as well as international singers such as Italian Marco Di Mauro, Kany Garcia and Mau & Ricky Montaner and Mexican comedian Adal Ramones.