LAS VEGAS, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Jerry Lewis' annual telethon in Las Vegas will be part of an expansive nationwide effort this year to raise funds to fight muscular dystrophy.
Organizers of the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon said that, while the Labor Day Weekend event will feature the usual assortment of celebrities and business and civic leaders, it will also work in conjunction with thousands of MDA fund-raising events across the nation.
The grassroots events are scheduled to take place in several U.S. cities at locales including bowling alleys, malls, racetracks and parks.
All of the events -- along with the 41st annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon -- are intended to help raise funds for research and treatment of the over 40 neuromuscular diseases the Muscular Dystrophy Association focuses on.
Celebrities scheduled to appear on the televised fundraiser include actress Julia Roberts, "Star Trek" and "Boston Legal" star William Shatner, singers Patti LaBelle and Celine Dion and the Goo Goo Dolls.
