50th Annual Meeting Street Telethon Celebrates Milestone

The iconic Rhode Island fundraiser marks 50 years of supporting students and families.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 50th Annual Meeting Street Telethon is being held live from Meeting Street School in Providence, sponsored by WPRI 12, FOX Providence, The CW Providence and Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses. The three-hour telethon features performances, interviews, and appearances from staff, students, families, and sponsors who have helped make the event a success over the past five decades.

Why it matters

The Meeting Street Telethon has been a beloved Rhode Island tradition for half a century, raising critical funds to support the Meeting Street School's mission of providing high-quality education and resources for students with special needs and their families. As one of the state's longest-running and most successful telethons, the 50th anniversary marks an important milestone for the local community.

The details

The 50th Annual Meeting Street Telethon is being broadcast live from the Meeting Street School in Providence, Rhode Island. The three-hour event features a variety of entertainment, including student performances, interviews with staff and families, and appearances from local sponsors and community leaders who have supported the telethon over the years.

  • The 50th Annual Meeting Street Telethon is being held on February 1, 2026 from 7-10 p.m.

The players

Meeting Street School

A Providence-based school that provides education and resources for students with special needs.

WPRI 12

A local television station in Providence, Rhode Island that has been a longtime sponsor and broadcast partner of the Meeting Street Telethon.

FOX Providence

A local television station in Providence, Rhode Island that has been a longtime sponsor and broadcast partner of the Meeting Street Telethon.

The CW Providence

A local television station in Providence, Rhode Island that has been a longtime sponsor and broadcast partner of the Meeting Street Telethon.

Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses

A local furniture and mattress retailer that has been a longtime sponsor of the Meeting Street Telethon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Meeting Street Telethon has been a cherished tradition in our community for 50 years. It's incredible to see how this event has grown and the impact it has had on so many families over the decades.”

— Emily Brennan, WPRI 12 Reporter

What’s next

The Meeting Street School will continue to host the annual telethon, with plans already underway for the 51st edition in 2027.

The takeaway

The 50th Annual Meeting Street Telethon is a testament to the power of community, philanthropy, and the unwavering commitment to supporting students with special needs in Rhode Island. This milestone event celebrates the telethon's enduring legacy and the countless lives it has positively impacted over the past five decades.