GATLINBURG -- The "Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park" organization has raised $206,310 through its 14th annual "Friends Across the Mountains" telethon.

This topped the $200,000 mark for the third year in a row.

The total for all Friends Across the Mountains Telethons since 1995 is $1,912,225.

Dale Ditmanson, superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, said, "As far as I am aware, the Smokies is the only park in the National Park System that is fortunate enough to have its own two-state telethon.

"Over the years telethon funding has helped us to significantly increase our ability to protect the park's flora and fauna and to improve services and facilities for our millions of visitors.

The telethon was broadcast from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, on WBIR-TV Channel 10 in Knoxville and WLOS-TV Channel 13 in Asheville.

It was the 11th year the two stations have cooperated in a simulcast to benefit Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.