MDA Telethon 2010

MDA Telethon 2010:Despite the struggle of the economy, officials with the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon said pledges from the Labor Day event this year amounted to 58,9 million dollars.
Although this amount is compared to $ 60.5 million last year and a record $ 65 million in 2008, Lewis said he was pleased with the support to facilitate research and service programs of the Association of muscular dystrophy.
“I am encouraged by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they may struggle financially,” said Lewis, chairman of the national Tucson, Arizona-based MDA.
45 th annual telethon raised by the fifth consecutive year, the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas and was about 40 million viewers on 170 television stations.
Dozens of artists joined 21 1/2-hour event, including Barry Manilow, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Charo, Carrot Top and Norm Crosby.
Telethon co-hosts include Jann Carl, Alison Sweeney and Nancy O’Dell.
“I think (58,9 million dollars) is a huge amount of rigid economy,” said Carl Associated Press. “This is something that brings tears to the eyes. It shows the heart of America. We’re very humbled and so grateful.
For the first time, a child – MDA National Goodwill Ambassador for Abbey Umali, 11, Redlands, California – opened the telethon Sunday afternoon. She performed two songs, including “Ordinary Miracle”, which drew enthusiastic responses from audiences.
Lewis said that the funds will allow MDA to continue funding research throughout the world, to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.
“People see the progress MDA does for children and adults living with muscle diseases,” he said. “I am sincerely grateful for their caring enough to brighten the future of” my children “.
Lewis, 84, ended the telethon with the traditional singing his signature song “You Never Walk Alone”.