Artist Justyn Farano being interviewed by NESN during telethon

The Taft Family with Artist Justyn Farano

Acclaimed sports artist Justyn Farano of Sports Art Illustrated was featured during the 8th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. Farano completed the Ted Williams original painting live in front of hundreds of raving fans during the two day period inside Fenway park next to the WEEI studios.

Tune in Thursday August 27th and Friday August 28th on WEEI Sports Radio Network and New England Sports Network for the 36 hour broadcast featuring compelling stories and celebrity guests, as well as emotional ceremonies prior to both Red Sox games during the two-day period.

The lineup was packed with interviews with Dana-Farber patients, doctors, researchers and nurses. The event  attracts as always an array of national celebrities. Comedians/ actors Jimmy Fallon, Frank Caliendo, Lenny Clarke, Jimmy Kimmel and Denis Leary along with Donald Trump  participated in this year's telethon. Red Sox players Jonahtan Papelbon, Mike Lowell and Jon Lester all appeared on Friday's broadcast along with Dustin Pedroia, Jason Bay, Tim Wakefield and Terry Francona on Thursday's event.

Farano chose Red Sox legend and Jimmy Fund hero, Ted Williams. The piece, entitled "Splendid", was donated and used for the official eBay auction which ran from August 17th through the 24th. The Taft family was the lucky winner of the original painting. Farano and Sports Art Illustrated then took to Fenway Park during the Radio-Telethon on the 27th and 28th to paint live for patrons and to put the finishing touches on the masterpiece.

Since 2002, support of this event has raised just under $17 million to support research and care for both children and adults at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year's event raised over $4.5 million.
For more info, please visit www.jimmyfund.org