Standby on the Set! Holmdel Grad Prepares For Live Telethon Tuesday

A Holmdel college freshman is among 70 students at Rowan University preparing to air an intense, seven-hour live telethon on March 7 to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of New Jersey.

Joe Ponisi Jr., 18, who is remembered around town for appearing in 11 Holmdel High theater productions and co-hosting Holmdel High School's "Hornet Report,"  will be on the production side this time, shouldering a camera. The goal is to raise $5,000 by midnight through shout-outs for donations by televising interviews, bands, and making earnest appeals.

"It would mean a great deal to me if my hometown community could participate in the support of the cause," Ponisi said, in an email. The telethon will be broadcast on Rowan Television Network (RTN) closed-circuit television. Off-campus viewers can watch it live online at www.rtntelethon.com.

Ponisi is the son and namesake of Jon Ponisi Sr., a finance professional who recently stepped up to fill a vacancy on the Holmdel Township Committee. His mother is Antonetta.

Young Joe said he chose Rowan because he wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting through Rowan Television Network. That includes  "learning how all of the equipment gets set up, as well as making sure it all works for that night."

This RTN's fifth annual telethon. Last year, RTN raised $3,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.