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About The Telethon

Adults who used to watch as kids now introduce their own children to the 21½-hour, star-studded variety show that simultaneously entertains, informs and raises funds for the service and research programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

First broadcast over Labor Day weekend in 1966 by just one TV station in New York City, the unique event starring popular comedian Jerry Lewis quickly caught the public's attention - and raised more than $1 million. Now the show will be broadcast on 180 MDA "Love Network" stations across the country.

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.

In 1998, the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon made history as the first telethon seen around the world via Internet simulcast, hosted by RealNetworks on MDA's Web site.

An "interactive" show long before the computer age popularized the term, the Telethon's drama comes from the ever-increasing fundraising total posted on the tote board - by hand in 1966, now electronically. Jerry's goal of raising "one dollar more" than the previous year's amount has been more than met almost every year, thanks to the generosity and compassion of the American public. Last year's total was $63.8 million.

Watch the 2007 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Highlights!

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Overcome with emotion, Jerry Lewis ends his 42nd Annual Labor Day Telethon with a record-setting $63.8 million in donations and pledges.

Overcome with emotion, Jerry Lewis ends his 42nd Annual Labor Day Telethon with a record-setting $63.8 million in donations and pledges. The 21 1/2-hour show, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, originated from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. In 2006, Lewis and MDA raised $61 million to fund research and services.

Jerry Lewis celebrates a record $63.8 million in pledges and contributions to his 42nd annual MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Jerry Lewis celebrates a record $63.8 million in pledges and contributions to his 42nd annual MDA Labor Day Telethon. This year’s 21 ½-hour broadcast benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, originating from the South Coast Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, was carried by 190 stations across the country. The 2006 Telethon raised $61 million for MDA’s research and services programs.

Courtesy of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Jerry Lewis - Hour 1

Jerry Lewis during the first hour of the 2007 MDA Labor Day Telethon

Jerry Lewis kicks off his 42nd annual MDA Labor Day Telethon. As always, Lewis says his goal is to raise one dollar more than the $61 million he raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2006. The Telethon, originating from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas and broadcast on some 190 stations nationwide, continues through Monday afternoon.

Jerry Lewis & Luke Christie

Jerry Lewis shares a sweet moment with Luke Christie, 14, of Due West. S.C., the Muscular Dystrophy Association's national goodwill ambassador. The duo chatted during the first of 21 1/2 hours of the 42nd annual Labor Day Telethon, originating from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. The Telethon, which is broadcast on some 190 stations nationwide, continues through Monday afternoon.