Peruvian television presenter Gisela Valcárcel has announced a donation of 10,000 soles to Teletón 2026 after confirming that she will not host the annual charity broadcast this year.
Valcárcel revealed the financial pledge during an appearance on the podcast Sin +Q Decir, which is hosted by her daughter Ethel Pozo alongside presenter María Pía Copello.
The announcement created an immediate stir on set. Copello noted that the substantial pledge set a high bar for the remaining presenters to follow with their own contributions, while Pozo was visibly moved to tears by her mother's gesture.
The donation followed Valcárcel's confirmation that neither she nor Pozo will take part in hosting the upcoming marathon event. Valcárcel attributed their absence to a decision made by organizers following a conflict with the management of the channel broadcasting the event, alongside public disagreements involving hosts of the morning show América Hoy.
Despite the rift with event management, Valcárcel reaffirmed her commitment to the cause. Speaking on behalf of her family and expressing gratitude to God, she said that every child in the country deserves the opportunity to receive a medical diagnosis and rehabilitation therapy. She added that parents already carry a heavy burden, offering her full backing to the campaign.
Teletón 2026 campaign goals
Teletón 2026 is scheduled to take place on September 11 and September 12 as a marathon broadcast across Peruvian television networks.
The charity drive aims to raise 9,168,510 soles to support comprehensive healthcare services. The funds will benefit children and young people with motor disabilities, physical impairments, or autism spectrum diagnoses.
Background on Gisela Valcárcel
Valcárcel, affectionately known in Peru as Señito, is one of the country's most prominent television hosts and media producers. Over a career spanning several decades, she has frequently led the broadcast team for the annual Teletón, making her absence from the stage a significant departure from previous editions.
The Teletón is an annual fundraising marathon in Peru organized to fund medical care and rehabilitation services for children. Her daughter, Ethel Pozo, is also a well-known media figure who co-hosts the weekday magazine show América Hoy.
