 Jerry Lewis: Telethon raises $ 65M for MDA
Actor Jerry Lewis has raised a record $65 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in his annual Labor Day telethon. It would be beneficial for those hapless people who are largely affected by Hurricane Gustav.
More news about Jerry Lewis has been inferred from quite a number of sources. According to them, this year's 22-hour telethon has added a special plea for MDA-registered families who have been forced to leave their homes because of the hurricane, which made landfall Monday in Louisiana. This storm affected almost five thousand MDA families who would need services in their new location.
In addition Jerry Lewis also has made an appeal to the viewers so that they would wholeheartedly contribute to the Salvation Army's emergency disaster services.
The 2008 pull for the 43rd annual fundraising blitz was 1.2 million dollars that is more than last year's total.
Lewis further added that he was determined not to exceed the 2007 number because of the sluggish economy.
"Each year I tell myself, 'This has got to be it. There's no way we can do better.' Then, the following year, I'm astounded to see that generosity driven by love and compassion has a greater capacity than I thought possible." "I am awed and humbled by this response." Jerry Lewis himself also makes this comment.
Eighty-two year-old Lewis has co-hosted the telethon from the South Point hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Other personalities like longtime participant Ed McMahon, Tony Orlando, "Access Hollywood" host Nancy O'Dell and few more people have shared the hosting duties. Celebrities like Celine Dion, 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock and Reba McEntire will give their performances as well.
Apart from this annual telethon, the benefit included an online auction of travel packages, electronics, sports memorabilia and other items. The auction is scheduled to come to an end on Thursday.
MDA is a nonprofit that has been working to defeat muscular dystrophy and forty related diseases through research, support services and public health education. |
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