Telethon
MDA IS HERE TO HELP

The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association was inaugurated in 1966. That first show, broadcast by only one station in New York City, was the first televised fund-raising event of its kind to raise more than $1 million in pledges. Today, the 21½-hour live broadcast has become a Labor Day tradition for tens of millions of Americans.

Presided over by Jerry Lewis, MDA's national chairman and number-one volunteer for nearly 50 years, the Telethon is also MDA's single largest fund-raising activity, bringing in nearly half of the Association's annual receipts. MDA receives all its funds through private voluntary contributions such as those made during the Telethon. The Association is consistently ranked as one of the top national voluntary health agencies for its fiscal efficiency and for the level of income spent on program services.

Almost every year's Telethon has set a record for dollars pledged. According to A.C. Nielsen, it's watched by some 75 million Americans. Segments of the show seen nationally are broadcast from CBS Television City in Hollywood and carried live by some 200 "Love Network" television stations.

The national show features top-name entertainers along with presentations on the latest research findings. Profiles of representative individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases educate viewers and offer role models for affected youngsters.

Local segments introduce many of the people served by MDA in the community as well as information about local MDA programs such as clinics and summer camps. Numerous local events are held in conjunction with the Telethon at nearby malls and other locations. National and local sponsors are recognized for their assistance throughout the year.

The Telethon has been recognized for its educational value as well as its fund-raising. The National Council on Disability honored MDA with its Outstanding Service Award for "outstanding leadership in the advancement of public awareness for people with disabilities." The American Medical Association presented Jerry Lewis and MDA with Lifetime Achievement Awards for "significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity."

The success of both MDA and its Telethon depends on the support of a network of some 2 million volunteers nationwide. Call your local MDA office to find out how you can assist with the local broadcast of the Telethon.