Lewis to return as telethon's co-host

TUCSON, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Famed U.S. entertainer Jerry Lewis is to return as co-host of his 43rd Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the MDA said Tuesday.

Originating from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, the live show will air for 21 and a half hours, beginning at 9 p.m. EDT Aug. 31, the organization said.

The telethon is to be shown on 180 "Love Network" stations in the United States.

Viewers should check www.mda.org for local stations and start times.

The traditional holiday weekend broadcast raises funds for MDA's programs of research, services and education for children and adults affected by any of more than 40 diseases in MDA's program.

"Each year, we see more progress toward my dream of a healthy future for all 'my kids,'" Lewis, MDA's national chairman, said in a statement. "The telethon fuels that progress by showing all Americans what's at stake and appealing to their generosity for help to save and improve precious lives."

Lewis, 82, is to share the stage with a variety of celebrity co-hosts, including Nancy O'Dell of "Access Hollywood," Tom Bergeron of "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Dancing with the Stars," Jann Carl of "Entertainment Tonight" and Alison Sweeney of "Days of Our Lives."

Pledges and donations to the 2007 MDA telethon brought in a record $63.8 million, the MDA said.