Mcgrath TM39

Telemiracle 39 was another big success, raising $4,312,457 for the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation to help those with special needs in Saskatchewan.

But the most shocking moment in the 20-hour telethon was the announcement that this was the last Telemiracle for long-time host Bob McGrath. The 82-year-old entertainer, best known for his role on "Sesame Street", was a part of the very first Telemiracle in 1977, and 37 more since.

Fellow cast members joined him for an extensive tribute, and he got a long standing ovation from the audience and Telemiracle volunteers at Saskatoon's TCU Place when the announcement was made Sunday afternoon.

BOB'S McGrath - GOODBYE from Stephen Kent on Vimeo.

"I think I could count the amount of emotional moments in my life, and this would be right at the top, maybe one or two, of anything I've ever had happen for me," McGrath told reporters on Sunday. "This province has become like my second home, and all of these guys who I perform with have become like brothers and sisters at this point, because we work so often and close together, and it was a very difficult decision for my wife and I, and Ian to talk about.

Bob McGrath talks with reporters at TCU Place shortly after his tribute during Telemiracle 39

"It's a very difficult thing to say goodbye to, quite honestly, but if you have to do those things... life moves on and new people are here, like every time a baby is born, they're here to take your place," he added. "I can't thank the province enough for all they've done for so many kids with special needs, and I hope I have been able to contribute a little bit... You give a lot when you're here, because everybody does, but you always take home a lot more than you can possibly ever give."

McGrath had become a well-loved adopted resident of Saskatchewan, receiving honours including the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2006, and the Distinguished Service Award in 2013. The City of Saskatoon also declared March 8th as "Bob McGrath Day", and Mayor Don Atchison was on hand at Telemiracle on Sunday to present McGrath with the proclamation.

"It's the most generous province," he added. "I felt very much at home the first time I came, because I grew up on a farm in Illinois, and there is that sort of sense of people helping people that I grew up with."

The Swift Current Kinsmen & Kinettes also had a strong presence at Telemiracle, sending around 20 volunteers and raising over $24,000 through projects like the Ugly Chair and last week's Shave Your Head for Telemiracle, which had Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer get his head shaved on Wednesday.

The 40th edition of Telemiracle goes next year in Regina, and the Foundation launched a new campaign during Telemiracle 39 called "My Telemiracle Story", which looks to collect and share stories about the telethon's 40 years through the eyes of funding recipients, volunteers and viewers.