U.S. Red Nose Day campaign raises more than $42M

May 28 (UPI) -- The fourth annual Red Nose Day campaign in the United States has raised more than $42 million.

The seven-week campaign -- which raises money for impoverished children -- culminated in a 3-hour, prime-time, programming event on NBC on Thursday.

Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Kristine Leahy co-hosted the competition Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day. Contestants who attempted to overcome the show's obstacle course included Derek Hough, NE-YO, Nikki Bella, Colton Dunn, Scott Evans, Nastia Liukin and Gregg Sulkin.

Jane Lynch presided over an A-list edition of Hollywood Game Night featuring Kelly Clarkson, Sean Hayes, Cedric the Entertainer, Chelsea Handler, Sarah Silverman, Sasheer Zameta, Isla Fisher and Jack Black.

Chris Hardwick was the emcee for The Red Nose Day Special. Black, Clarkson, Hayes, Zameta, Kristen Bell, Marlon Wayans, Retta, Jennifer Garner, Tony Hale, Jack McBryer, Lauren Graham, Julia Roberts, Ed Sheeran, Minnie Driver, Connie Britton, Olivia Munn, Anne Hathaway and Ben Stiller all took part in the telethon.

The British version of Red Nose Day has raised more than $1 billion since it began in 1988.