College Fund Collects $7.7 Million

Callers across the nation pledged $7.7 million to the United Negro College Fund during a weekend telethon, and the total is expected to climb higher, a spokeswoman said.

“They’re still getting pledges in,” which should drive the amount above $7.7 million, Randi Caruana said.

Another spokeswoman, Donna Coleman, said $8 million was collected during the 1984 telethon, which was a few hours shorter than this year’s six-hour show, televised from Los Angeles.

The sixth annual “Lou Rawls Parade of Stars” telethon featured a telephone call from President Reagan, an appearance by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and performances by such entertainers as Bill Cosby, Diahann Carroll, Ben Vereen and B. B. King. Ed McMahon and singer Marilyn McCoo were co-hosts.