MDA Telethon Raises Record 63.8 Million Dollars

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 05 Sep 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Jerry Lewis made good on his annual promise to raise at least "one dollar more" for the fight against muscular dystrophy.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association's 42nd Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon set a record of 63,759,478 dollars in contributions and pledges, which will fund research, services and information for people with any of the neuromuscular diseases under MDA's umbrella.

"I'm deeply grateful for the incredible generosity and support of the American public," MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis said. "Each year they outdo themselves in supporting our quest for cures for diseases that steal the strength - and the lives - of 'my kids.'"

The 21½-hour event originated live from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. Beginning Sunday night, it was broadcast nationwide and in Canada on 190 stations in MDA's "Love Network."

MDA Board member and veteran showman Ed McMahon put in his 40th appearance as the Telethon's anchor, while Jann Carl of the television entertainment news show "Entertainment Tonight"; Tom Bergeron, host of "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos"; and comedians Norm Crosby and Bob Zany assisted Lewis as co-hosts. Alison Sweeney, "Days of our Lives" star and host of "The Biggest Loser," made her debut as a Telethon co-host.

Award-winning recording artist and MDA National Youth Chairman Billy Gilman performed and hosted special youth segments.

This year's Telethon included appeals and a wide array of entertainment by musicians, comedians, singers, dancers and some of Broadway's best casts. The lineup included Celine Dion, Montgomery Gentry, Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Ivanka Trump, John Madden, Vanessa L. Williams, Thelma Houston, Carrot Top, Ronn Lucas, Ace Young, Bear in the Big Blue House, Commodores, John Tesh, Lance Burton, David Cassidy, Louie Anderson, John Ondrasik, Maureen McGovern, Terry Fador and the casts of Grease and Legally Blonde.

Several families living with neuromuscular diseases were profiled and interviewed live or on video on the show.

MDA's largest national sponsor, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), presented checks representing the agency's year-round fund-raising efforts in the record amount of $25 million. Partnering with the MDA since 1954, the IAFF has raised more than $300 million in the battle to conquer muscular dystrophy.

The Telethon drew international viewers via its live Webcast at http://www.mda.org, provided by RealNetworks.

"This was a fantastic show with a fantastic outcome - one that will mean more than I can ever say to the tens of thousands of people coping with neuromuscular diseases," Lewis said.

http://www.mda.org