MDA Telethon Raises $54.9 Million, Assists in Hurricane
Relief
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 5, 2005 – A nationwide outpouring
of support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Jerry
Lewis Labor Day Telethon brought $54,921,586 to the Association in contributions
and pledges.
Special appeals during the Telethon were expected to raise about $1
million for relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These
contributions were funneled to the Salvation Army’s program, along
with a $1 million donation from MDA.
Last year’s Telethon raised $59.4 million to fund muscular dystrophy
research and services.
“I’m overjoyed that we were able to help the victims of
Hurricane Katrina and at the same time continue our 40-year tradition
of helping ‘my kids,’” Lewis said. “Of course,
I’m not surprised. The American people have never let me down.”
The 21½-hour Telethon originated from the International Ballroom
of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., beginning Sunday night,
and was broadcast nationwide and in Canada on nearly 200 TV stations
in MDA’s “Love Network.”
A highlight of the show was the presentation to Lewis of the Academy
of Television Arts & Sciences’ Governors Award, in recognition
of his work for MDA, especially through the Telethon. The special Emmy
also will be presented during Sunday’s Primetime Creative Arts
Emmy Awards.
In addition to the tote board figure, which reflects pledges and donations,
a number of MDA sponsors presented checks representing their year-round
fund-raising efforts for MDA. Leading this group was the International
Association of Fire Fighters with a record contribution of $21 million.
MDA Board member Ed McMahon returned as the Telethon’s anchor,
while Jann Carl from “Entertainment Tonight,” TV personality
Cynthia Garrett and comedian Norm Crosby assisted Lewis as co-hosts.
In addition to hosting the Telethon’s youth segments, award-winning
teen singer and MDA National Youth Chairman Billy Gilman performed songs
from his latest album, “Everything and More.”
Among those appearing on the show were Celine Dion, Elton John, Barry
Manilow, the Backstreet Boys, Richard Marx, George Clinton, Big Bad
Voodoo Daddy, Tony Orlando and dozens more.
Profiled and interviewed on the Telethon were several families who
are living with neuromuscular diseases.
MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Morgan Fritz, 6, of St. Peters, Mo.,
who has spinal muscular atrophy, charmed the audience with her spunk
and intelligence. She was accompanied by her parents, Ron and Susan.
Jeni Stepanek, the mother of the late Mattie J.T. Stepanek, also appeared
live on the show.
The Telethon drew international viewers via its live Webcast at www.mda.org
through streaming media provided by Real Networks.
“This remarkably successful effort will mean a lot to the tens
of thousands of individuals and families who are fighting neuromuscular
diseases,” Lewis said. “I’d like to thank everyone
involved in making this really terrific show one of the best Telethons
ever.”
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