Jerry Lewis 2005 Muscular Dystrophy Telethon (MDA)

IAFF President Harold Schaitberger & Jerry Lewis - 2005 MDA Telethon /Jerry Lewis MDA 2005 Telethon / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

Ed McMahon MDA 2005 Telethon / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

Jerry Lewis MDA 2005 Telethon / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

Jerry & his son Gary - MDA 2005 Telethon / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

Jerry talking to his daughter (not shown) in the audience (his wife in the foreground) during the show / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

Morgan Fritz (MDA National Goodwill Ambassador) with Mom and Dad at the Jerry Lewis MDA 2005 Telethon / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

Jeni Stepanek and her service dog Micah / Jerry Lewis MDA 2005 Telethon / Copyright © 2005 Charity.com

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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.mdausa.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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