Jerry Lewis admitted yesterday during his annual telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) that due to the struggling economy, he was advised to cancel the telethon this year. Towards the end of the 21.5 hours on air over Labor Day weekend, Lewis declared how glad he was that he did not take that advice.
"I'm heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially," Lewis said in an official statement. "People see the progress MDA is making for children and adults living with muscle diseases. I'm truly grateful for their caring enough to brighten the future for 'my kids'."
The telethon was broadcast live from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas featuring a wide variety of performers including Barry Manilow, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, and Charo; groups Lynyrd Skynyrd, WAR, OneRepublic and The Oak Ridge Boys; Las Vegas productions "Viva Elvis by Cirque du Soleil," "Jersey Boys" and "Vegas! The Show"; Broadway segments from "Memphis," "Rock of Ages" and "Million Dollar Quartet"; and the cast of the television show "Glee".
The telethon exceeded expectations this year bringing in roughly $1.5 million less than last year at $58,919,838, according to a press release. Last year, the contributions and pledges raised during the telethon to advance the research and service programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association were $60,481,231.
The third annual Telethon Online Auction, held in conjunction with the broadcast and hosted by General Hospital star, Brandon Barash, continues through September 15 at MDA auctions. It features hundreds of unique items including a visit to the set of General Hospital with Barash, who plays Johnny Zacchara.
For more info on the MDA auctions, visit http://www.mda.org/auctions
For more information or to send a donation, visit http://www.mda.org/
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