Kristen Kappel, an occupational therapist who said she supervises Easterseals Joliet’s therapy staff, described the agency’s service model during the telethon and emphasized the role of donations in keeping services available to families.

"I do whatever they tell me to do," Kappel said on air, then explained her supervisory responsibilities: "I currently have the absolute pleasure and honor to supervise all of our therapy staff... we have 58 therapists total. That's physical, occupational, speech therapy, our licensed social workers, and then we have developmental therapy as well."

Kappel described how Easterseals coordinates services internally: staff routinely consult across disciplines and refer families to related programs, including an autism diagnostic clinic and the Jump Start parent-educator program. She said Easterseals runs multiple summer therapy groups (for example, adapted golf and soccer programs) so children who need extra support can participate in activities that local park districts might not accommodate.

On insurance and access, Kappel said, "Easter Seals is unique. We accept all types of insurance without limitations... this type of philanthropy is what helps us support and not say no to those families." Organizers and staff repeatedly framed donations on the telethon as funding that lets therapists keep serving families longer and without arbitrary visit limits.

The broadcast also introduced Cash, the organization’s facilities dog, and highlighted community partnerships such as an inclusive Belmont Little League adaptive baseball program. Presenters said volunteers and sponsors — including Kiwanis and Rotary phone teams and hospital partners — augment the nonprofit’s capacity to deliver services.