9/1/03: Clay Performs on Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

[Pamela]

TELETHON HITS NEW HIGH:$60.5 MILLION!
                   

HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 1, 2003 — The final numbers are in, and the news is great: The 38th annual Jerry Lewis Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association was another a record-breaking success.

The Telethon raised $60,505,234 in contributions and pledges to benefit people with any of more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. The 21½-hour Telethon originated from CBS Television City in Hollywood beginning Sunday night and was broadcast across the country by some 200 television stations in MDA's "Love Network.”

After the show ended at 6 p.m. EDT today, Lewis, MDA’s national chairman and star of the Telethon, said he was thrilled to have again fulfilled his annual goal of surpassing the previous Telethon’s total ($58.3 million in 2002) by at least $1.

“I’m consistently humbled by the generosity of the American public. Every year I ask, and, without blinking, you open your hearts and wallets,” said Lewis, who has been MDA’s leading volunteer for 50 years. “You’ve also let ‘my kids’ of all ages, and their loved ones, know that they aren’t alone in this fight.”

Lewis, who continues to cope with the effects of pulmonary fibrosis, was assisted by longtime Telethon anchor Ed McMahon and national co-hosts Tony Orlando, Jann Carl, Norm Crosby, Cynthia Garrett, Billy Gilman, George Gray, Leyna Nguyen and Bob Zany. Three Muppets also chipped in to help co-host the show: Pepé the King Prawn, and the duo of Johnny Fiama & Sal Monella.

The show featured performances and appeals by celebrities from the worlds of music, comedy, film, television and theater. Famous names appeared alongside new faces discovered in a nationwide talent search.

Celebrity performers included Cher, Celine Dion, Clay Aiken, the cast from the Broadway musical “Hairspray,” children’s musical group the Wiggles, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Don Rickles, magician Lance Burton, and many more.

Read the rest at News From MDA

[Pamela]

ON TELETHON MAGIC AND THE STARS WHO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN

The 38th annual MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon, which aired for 21½ hours Aug. 31-Sept. 1, was a smashing success, raising a record-breaking $60,505,234 in pledges and contributions to support MDA’s programs in research and health care services.

Our Telethon star, MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis, who rose to the occasion like a champion despite severe health challenges, deserves the lion’s share of credit for the broadcast’s success. Whether he was singing, breaking into comic riffs, or sharing his thoughts and feelings with MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Mattie Stepanek (via satellite from Baltimore’s WNUV) and MDA National Task Force member Shelley Obrand, Jerry showed the depths of his talent and compassion as never before.

Jerry’s Telethon anchor, Ed McMahon, and his co-hosts, Jann Carl, Norm Crosby, Cynthia Garrett, Billy Gilman, George Gray, Leyna Nguyen and Bob Zany, exuded great energy and compassion in fulfilling their roles. Two of the beloved Muppet characters also joined in the co-hosting duties and added greatly to the excitement and fun.

MDA Board members Dr. Leon Charash, Dr. Rodney Howell and Dr. Stanley Appel delivered in-depth on-air reports on MDA’s scientific and medical advances, while MDA Scientific Advisory Committee member Dr. Jeffrey Chamberlain provided incisive research bulletins periodically throughout the broadcast. MDA Board member Chris Rosa, who has Becker muscular dystrophy, spoke about MDA’s role in enhancing dignity and opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Telethon presented a striking tapestry of people of various ages who are affected by neuromuscular diseases, ranging from adult musician Lateef Murdock to 4-year-old Morgan Fritz. These children and adults and members of their families showed qualities of nobility, courage and eloquence that were stirring to behold.

And then there was the performing talent. An amazing roster of stars, ranging from Celine Dion to Cher to “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken, gave electrifying performances and also spoke from the heart about the need to support MDA’s fight against neuromuscular diseases. MDA Board member Maureen McGovern, known as “MDA’s diva,” delivered two of her superbly pristine vocal performances, and many other Telethon favorites and new faces were on hand as well.

Read the rest at MDAUSA.org