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Jerry Lewis scores record $61 million for MDA Telethon

By Stone Martindale Sep 5, 2006, 15:45 GMT

Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day telethon raised a record $61 million for muscular dystrophy on Monday, enormously helped out by a huge donation from a group of firefighters. "We did good,'' said Lewis, 80, clearly overcome with emotion up as the final figure, $61,013,855, flashed across the tote board. "I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart for so many little people that can't thank you, can't show their appreciation in any way.''The previous record for the telecast, which has raised $1.4 billion to fight the disease since 1966, was set in 2003. That year, supporters gave $60.5 million. The following years donations were affected by hurricanes, including last year, when Katrina knocked out television stations along the Gulf Coast and donors focused on hurricane support."I think there was a great sense of relief that there weren't any storms,'' said Muscular Dystrophy Association spokesman Bob Mackle.There was also "a lot more excitement'' about the show because it had returned to Las Vegas after an 11-year run in Los Angeles, he said.The broadcast carried on 190 stations in the United States and Canada featured regular Las Vegas performers such as Celine Dion and celebrities CNN host Larry King, country star Billy Gilman, Jann Carl of Entertainment Tonight' and Tom Bergeron, host of America's Funniest Home Videos.The International Association of Fire Fighters, stunned eveyone with a record donation of $23.5 million.

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NJGeneSep 6th, 2006 - 15:09:51

The report is a little misleading. The 61 million dollars raised was just from phone callers who were viewing the show. The firefighters donation is not a part of the 61 million total. The telethon divides donations in two categories--viewers calling to donate and coroporate sponsors.

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Jerry Lewis Fans!Sep 8th, 2006 - 20:23:22

HI ...
Yes that's right.the money is separted in two different catagories.. From families and individuals and from various organizations..

MDA is one organization that i have been supporting for years.. I have even taken care of people with this horrific disease..
JERRY LEWIS is WONDERFUL! not only is he talented in so many ways, he's also got a huge heart!

Way To Go Jerry!! God Bless You!
We Love You!!
Kim & Duane
your fans always..

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Jerry Lewis scores record $61 million for MDA Telethon

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