Donald Trump’s ratings for the finale of The Celebrity Apprentice may have gotten a lift from his May 16th announcement at NBC Studios that he was bowing out of his Presidential bid, but millions of viewers have been drawn to the reality show by finalists Country singer John Rich and actress Marlee Matlin’s remarkable laser focus on their charities, and record breaking funds raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Cognizant that Rich and Matlin were facing off for the title of The Celebrity Apprentice with the winner earning $250,000 for charity, the professionals at SignTalk® jumped at the opportunity to join this unprecedented competition to raise more funds for charity.

“Star Jones called into the office to request an interpreter for the 7-Up Retro challenge she was helping ‘Team John Rich’ plan for the final episode of the reality TV show The Celebrity Apprentice,” recalled Maria Jimenez, SignTalk® Program Manager.

Ms. Jimenez discussed the nuances in communicating with the Deaf and coordinated the logistics for the event with Ms. Jones. Providing sign language interpreters (SLI) for a public event guarantees equal access of communication for all in accordance with the American Disabilities Act.

Laura Brennan NIC, a certified SLI and SignTalk® affiliate, interpreted for John Rich as he introduced the rock band Def Leppard at his rally to raise money for his charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

See: The Sacramento Bee