RTL says THANK YOU!The fundraising marathon record reached 23,077,166 million euros
The 2025 RTL donation marathon raised 23,077,166 million euros
Bonn.digital
This RTL telethon touched hearts again!
Last year, RTL’s fundraising marathon raised almost 17 million, and of course this number was surpassed on the marathon’s 30th anniversary! Presenter Wolfram Kons presented the incredible sum of 23,077,166 million euros shortly before midnight with many stars still in attendance. What a success and how beneficial it is for all children who are currently underprivileged.
Here’s what the stars had to say about the RTL telethon
Wolfram Kons moderated the fundraising marathon for the 30th time and he can welcome back countless stars who took part in a project or spent hours answering calls from donors in the “donation call center”.
“What we experienced in these 30 hours touches my heart every year, but especially in this anniversary year.”said the host. “The results of our donations truly make me happy, grateful and humbled. I would like to thank everyone who donated, engaged or was involved in all our campaigns from the bottom of my heart. Each of them gave a voice and perspective to children. After the 30th RTL donation marathon, this is not the end for us, on the contrary: We will continue to do everything we can in the years to come to make as much of a difference as possible and give more children the chance to have a better life.”
Joey Kelly and Wolfram Kons present the “24h Birthday Challenge” on the occasion of the 30th RTL fundraising marathon
RTL / Thomas Scheckhaus
“30 years of the RTL donation marathon is more than just a number. It is a real sign of shared responsibility, solidarity and a common goal: helping children where they need help most. In the last 30 hours, our viewers, celebrities and partners once again showed what we can achieve together. The fact that an incredible total of 23,077,166 million euros in donations has been raised deeply touches the hearts of all of us and at the same time makes us aware: For us, every donation is not only a sign of trust, but also a clear mission. We will use these funds in a targeted, responsible and transparent manner! “My deepest thanks go to everyone who made this special anniversary possible with their great and wholehearted commitment,” said Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland & Chairman of “Stiftung RTL – We Help Children eV”
And celebrities are also very enthusiastic about the event. Actress Michaela May (73) told RTL: “This year people donated more than last year. You could say these are difficult times and that’s when people are happy to donate something.” National coach Julian Nagelsmann came with his girlfriend Lena, NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst also answered the phone and the music world was also well represented. Sasha, Patrick Lindner, BossHoss, Anna-Carina Woitschak, and “No Angels” got everyone in the mood. Pop queens Andrea Berg and Beatrice Egli also joined. DSDS head judge Dieter Bohlen repeatedly encouraged on-screen viewers to pick up their phones.
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Wolfram Kons, who repeatedly thanked the children present as well as his team, was very pleased with the final numbers: “That’s an incredible amount. We can show the audience once again that their donations reach the children. And if people donate five euros, then that’s great. Especially in times like these. We’re very proud!”
Joey Kelly also broke the next world record. The 52-year-old endurance athlete invited people to the 30th RTL fundraising marathon for the ultimate kids birthday party for adults: the “24-hour Birthday Challenge.” And there’s everything a real party shouldn’t miss – sack races, egg races, ball pits, bobby car races, bouncy castles, cup stacking and cake ring toss.
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Together with a team of 20 companies, Kelly strives around the clock to master seven absolute children’s birthday classics on a circular course. “Of course I didn’t miss the opportunity to take part in a real birthday challenge on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the RTL donation marathon. The fact that Knossi’s stream raised more than 1.8 million euros leaves me speechless,” said Joey Kelly, who took part in the 24-hour campaign for the 20th time as part of the RTL donation marathon. The new world record has now been certified by the REKORD INSTITUTE for GERMANY (RID). Jens “Knossi” Knossalla, commenting on the telethon madness on Twitch, concluded: “Mega, it was an experience. I got goosebumps.”
Source used: RTL
