MDA's Labor Day telethon returns for 43rd year



PUBLISHED: August 13, 2008

- Legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis will continue his battle against muscular dystrophy this Labor Day weekend on his 43rd Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Originating from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, the live show will air for 21 1º2 hours, beginning at 9 p.m. Aug. 31, and will be shown on some 180 "Love Net-work" stations nationwide. Check www.mda.org for local stations and start times.

The broadcast raises funds for MDA's programs of research, services and education for children and adults affected by any of more than 40 diseases in MDA's program. It's expected to attract some 40 million viewers nationwide and many more worldwide on the Internet via RealNetworks at www.mda.org.

"Each year, we see more progress toward my dream of a healthy future for all 'my kids,'" said Lewis, MDA's national chairman. "The Telethon fuels that progress by showing all Americans what's at stake and appealing to their generosity for help to save and improve precious lives."

Lewis will share the stage with a variety of celebrity co-hosts, including Emmy-nominated Tom Bergeron of "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Dancing with the Stars," Jann Carl of "Entertainment Tonight" and Alison Sweeney of the daytime TV drama "Days of Our Lives" and host of the reality TV show "The Biggest Loser."

A new addition as co-host is Nancy O'Dell of "Access Hollywood," who has joined MDA's efforts to combat ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease), which claimed the life of her mother in early June (O'Dell, Carl, Bergeron and Sweeney are MDA national vice presidents.)

Between messages about MDA's programs and family profiles, the Telethon presents great entertainment.

Several remote performances will be aired from New York, Chicago and other venues.

Each hour, MDA "Love Network" stations will cut away from the national broadcast to present information about local families served by MDA.

Pledges and donations to the 2007 MDA Telethon brought in a record $63.8 million.

A new feature of this year's broadcast is the Jerry Lewis Telethon Online Auction at www.mda.org/auctions. Starting Aug. 21, it features items donated by celebrities, MDA sponsors and other friends of the Association.

Hundreds of items are up for bid in such categories as travel, unique experiences, electronics, golf, excursions, sports memorabilia and more. One section carries items from Harley-Davidson's 105th anniversary celebration.

The auction ends Sept. 4.

MDA is a nonprofit voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.