The 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon airs this weekend and throughout most of Labor Day. The cast of Glee, plus Ace Young, David Archuleta and Nigel Lythgoe from American Idol have all decided to pitch in and help out Jerry Lewis, America’s funny man with the giant heart. With a host of other entertainers also on board, the 21-1/2-hour MDA Telethon promises to be the most spectacular ever.
Cast members from Fox’s Emmy Award-winning show Glee will make an appearance to encourage viewers to call in and make a donation to MDA. American Idol will also have a big presence at the annual Labor Day Telethon. New executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will serve as a special co-host throughout the broadcast. Plus, Ace Young from season five and David Archuleta from season seven of American Idol will perform. Since competing on Idol, both Young and Archuleta have launched successful entertainment careers. Ace Young released his debut album in 2008 and made his Broadway debut in the revival of Grease the same year. Since finishing in second place on American Idol, David Archuleta released his self-titled debut album in 2008. It has sold over 750,000 copies in the U.S and over 900,000 worldwide.
“Yes, the Telethon is consistently big on entertainment value,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA president & CEO and Telethon executive producer. “But, unlike other live shows, our unique television program is an outstanding catalyst for the public support needed to advance MDA’s lifesaving mission year-round.”
Legendary entertainer and MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will be headlining the star-studded television program that’s expected to be watched by some 40 million Americans, thanks to the “Love Network” of more than 170 television and cable stations. Remarkably, Lewis has hosted the Labor Day MDA Telethon since its inception in 1966. Despite battling debilitating illness, severe back pain and heart surgery in recent years, Jerry Lewis has never missed a telethon.
“There’s nothing like our Telethon,” said Lee Miller, longtime Telethon producer. “Every hour offers moments you’ll remember for the whole year. We produce the equivalent of an entire television season in one weekend, and you simply can’t find a better live television show that marries an outstanding network feed with lively local television segments.”
The 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon starts, Sunday, Sept. 5th at 9 p.m. EDT. Originating live from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, the show concludes Labor Day, Sept. 6th at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Check listings for local start and end times, or visit mda.org.
About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association, which is the first nonprofit to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association (“for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity”), also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
To make a donation to MDA, go to MDA's donation page.
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