MDA Telethon Begins with Tribute to Jerry Lewis
The annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon wasted no time in offering a tribute to its longtime host, Jerry Lewis, and potentially diffusing any backlash or disappointment with his absence.
After a dance performance opened the show, Lewis' replacements — Nigel Lythgoe, Jann Carl, Alison Sweeney and Nancy O'Dell — took the stage and immediately took turns talking about the comedian/filmmaker's five-decade commitment to raising money for a cure. Huge photos of Lewis at various stages of his career served as a backdrop on stage as they talked.
Here's video of the opening of the 2011 telethon and the tribute to Jerry Lewis:
At its close, the 6-hour telethon had another tribute to Lewis. It was a video montage of Lewis on the telethon over the decades.
It was relatively brief and inadequate. The program's finale was a medley of patriotic songs. It seemed very odd.
There was no tote board, no dramatic ending. Nothing.
For decades, the annual marathon telethon has been an integral part of Labor Day weekend. That made the abbreviated version so very strange and awkward.
But the event isn't about Jerry Lewis. It's about raising tens of millions of dollars to fund research and assist those suffering with muscle diseases. Hopefully, this year's telethon succeeded in that mission.
It would be awful if the mess with Lewis kept people from contributing.
It appears that Lewis wasn't treated very well by MDA. That is inexcusable, given Lewis' years of service. He deserved better.
However, it also appears that Lewis, for his part, didn't behave very well.
I don't know why he refused to tape the telethon's closing signature song, "You'll Never Walk Alone."
It really is a shame that Lewis' relationship with MDA came to such an abrupt and messy end after so many years. The pall it cast over this year's telethon was so unfortunate.
I hope Lewis and MDA can reconcile and put aside their differences. The focus of the telethon should be about giving and helping and caring for others, not the distraction and weirdness of the breakup saga.
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The good news: In spite of the behind the scenes drama and the extremely poor economic situation, the fundraising went very well this year.
MDA Primetime Telethon Achieves $61.5 Million
The new era of primetime Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethons has started. In six primetime hours last night, the organization leading the fight against progressive muscle diseases delivered on its promise of an outstanding 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon. MDA today announced that its 2011 Telethon raised $61,491,393 -- up from the $58,919,838 achieved during the prior year's 21.5-hour Telethon. This is the biggest Telethon achievement since 2008, when the global recession began. Contributions can still be made online at mda.org or by calling 800-FIGHTMD (800-344-4863).
"We're so grateful to everyone who made this amazing outcome possible," said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. "Kudos must go to our four outstanding Telethon co-hosts, to the entertainment icons performing and making persuasive appeals, to our incredible cause-marketing partners, to more than 150 television stations comprising the 'Love Network,' and to generous Americans in every community. Together, we've confirmed that primetime is where our Telethon can achieve the most for the families we serve."
The landmark primetime benefit opened with inspiring remarks about Jerry Lewis by the Telethon's four co-hosts. Later in the first hour, Celine Dion, also saluted her "dear friend Jerry Lewis," and then sang "Open Arms."
The fast-paced show featured Billboard chart toppers including Lady Antebellum, Boyz II Men, Darius Rucker, Richie Sambora, Martina McBride and Jordin Sparks. Their masterful performances and many more, along with special appeals by Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson, Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, NBA great Dwight Howard, as well as NFL stars Reggie Bush and Kurt Warner helped galvanize America into action for MDA.
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