MDA Telethon raises $54.9 million

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon raised $54.9 million in contributions and pledges, the MDA announced.

Telethon officials said special appeals to donors were expected to raise about $1 million for the Salvation Army's Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In addition, the MDA said it would donate $1 million to relief efforts.

This year's MDA Telethon fell short of the $59.4 million raised last year to fund muscular dystrophy research and services, but under the circumstances Lewis called it a success.

"I'm overjoyed that we were able to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and at the same time continue our 40-year tradition of helping 'my kids,'" Lewis said. "Of course, I'm not surprised. The American people have never let me down."

The telethon originated from The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and was broadcast on nearly 200 TV stations throughout the United States and Canada.

During the telecast, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented Lewis with its Governors Award, in recognition of his work for the MDA. Lewis will formally receive the special Emmy during the upcoming Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.