Guess who's back on Seven? David Koch returns and helps smash fundraising records for charity!

In a surprising homecoming, one of Australian television's most beloved presenters returned to his old stomping ground to smash fundraising records for charity.

The familiar face of Sunrise, David 'Kochie' Koch, delighted viewers this past weekend as he made a triumphant return to Channel Seven for a special occasion, and boy, was it a come-back to remember!


Channel Seven's annual fundraiser, Telethon, drew viewers to their screens as it featured beloved television personalities and thrilling performances—all for a remarkable cause.

The event directly supports children's charities, lending a hand to families in need and improving the lives of countless youngsters.


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Channel Seven held its annual fundraiser, Telethon, last weekend. Credit: @telethon7/Instagram


This year, something truly extraordinary happened: Telethon surpassed previous records, raising a staggering $77,467,775 million within the 26-hour broadcast. Even last year's impressive total of $71,356,721 paled by comparison.

Kochie, now 67 and as spirited as ever, burst onto the Telethon panel at the RAC Arena in Perth.

His goal was clear: he intended to harness his popularity and charisma to propel the event towards its new record-breaking total.


But Kochie wasn't merely a figurehead—he stepped in on the action behind the scenes. In a video shot backstage, Kochie implored viewers to lend their support by donating to the cause.

'Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far,' he said.

And while the adoration of his fans alone could prop up his appeal, Kochie took it a step further, diving headfirst into a light-hearted lip-sync battle.

Donning a jersey from his favourite Australian Football League (AFL) team and a distinctive blond mullet wig, he rose to the challenge, despite admitting to not having enough rehearsal time.


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David Koch, former Sunrise host, participated in Channel Seven’s annual charity. Credit: @telethon7/Instagram


The result, however, was a whirlwind performance laden with charisma and ardour that only Kochie could deliver.

Sharing the limelight at the Telethon were some familiar faces, including his former co-host Natalie Barr and successor Matt Shirvington.


Shirvington ignited the tension as he performed a lip-sync rendition dressed as Tom Cruise's character from the iconic movie Risky Business, while other notable attendees included Dr Chris Brown, Tim Robards from The Bachelor and former Wiggles star, Emma Watkins.

The broadcast was filled with fun-filled performances from different popular TV personalities. One particular performance by Rick Ardon, Ant Middleton, Tim Robards, James Tobin and Robert Palmer garnered a lot of interest from social media users.

Watch their performance here:



Since its inception in 1968, Telethon has raised over $600 million. As the festive broadcast drew to a close on Sunday night, viewers and participants alike could rejoice in another successful year.

It's heartwarming to note that the support wasn't limited to Channel Seven stars. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, showcased his generosity by donating $6 million from the Federal Government.

He commended the event, stating, 'It's extraordinary how generous people are, and the whole community gets behind it.'


Even Hollywood chimed in with star Nicolas Cage, who is currently in Western Australia filming his upcoming movie The Surfer, making a personal donation of $5,000.

David Koch's surprise return provided Telethon with a charming boost, further cementing it as an event that brings the Australian community together.

While the aura of celebration colours this spectacle, it is the sincerity, relentless determination, and selfless support towards a noble cause that fuels Telethon. But that's not where the story ends. As Telethon once again makes a mark in our hearts and a difference in countless lives, it lays the foundation for the following year, with a new challenge, a new target, and renewed hope for a brighter future for the children of Australia.


You can watch the broadcast’s highlights here:



Key Takeaways
  • David 'Kochie' Koch returned to Channel Seven's Telethon and helped raise a record-breaking total of $77.5 million in 26 hours for children's charities.
  • Kochie's return included a high-energy lip sync performance and encouraging viewers to make donations.
  • Other stars participating in the event were Natalie Barr, Matt Shirvington, Dr Chris Brown, Tim Robards, Emma Watkins and Ant Middleton.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese donated $6 million from the Federal Government, and Nicolas Cage personally committed $5,000. The event brought the collective tally raised by Telethon since its start in 1968 to over $600 million.

Have you participated or donated to the Telethon this year? What were your favourite moments of the event? Share with us in the comments!
 
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