Telethon (Parks and Recreation)

The "Telethon" is a recurring event within the fictional world of the NBC comedy television series Parks and Recreation. Officially known as the "Pawnee Cares Telethon," it is an annual fundraising event broadcast on Pawnee's local television station, Channel 4, with the purpose of raising money for various charitable causes within the town of Pawnee, Indiana.

The Telethon is typically hosted by Pawnee celebrities and local government officials, most notably Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler), the Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. It is characterized by its chaotic and often absurd nature, showcasing the eccentricities of Pawnee's citizens and the frequently disorganized nature of the Parks Department.

Recurring elements of the Telethon include awkward on-air performances, technical difficulties, celebrity cameos (both real and fictional within the Parks and Recreation universe), and desperate attempts to solicit donations. The Telethon often serves as a plot device to highlight the characters' personalities, their dedication to the Pawnee community, and the comedic situations that arise from their efforts. The fundraising targets and causes vary from episode to episode, reflecting the diverse needs and occasional oddities of the fictional town. The Telethon is generally portrayed as a well-intentioned, though often misguided, endeavor that ultimately brings the community together.