Posted on 09/07/2009 6:27:16 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Despite the effects of an uncertain economy, contributions and pledges to the 44th annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon over Labor Day nonetheless totaled $60,481,231 million.
MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis said he was impressed by the show of support from Telethon viewers even during hard times.
"These are very special people, and their money comes straight from the heart," Lewis said. "Right now, the only thing I can think of to say, other than thank you, thank you is, 'love conquers all.' So many people, everywhere, even with cares of their own, dug deep to show their wonderful compassion for others who need their help."
The funds will allow the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.
Contributions also provide assistance with purchase of equipment such as wheelchairs and leg braces; send thousands of children to MDA summer camp; and support more than 200 MDA clinics across the country.
Last year's Telethon raised a record $65 million.
Lewis was surprised during the broadcast with the news that he'll be receiving a special Trustees' Emmy award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in January for his work on behalf of MDA.
The legendary 21 1/2-hour event originated for the fourth year in a row from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa Las Vegas. It reached nearly 40 million viewers by way of 180 television stations that comprise MDA's "Love Network." People around the world saw the Telethon at www.mda.org via RealNetworks.
Co-hosts of the show included TV's Jann Carl; Nancy O'Dell, host of "Access Hollywood;" and "Days of Our Lives" star and host of television's "Biggest Loser" Alison Sweeney. Also co-hosting as well as performing were recording artists Ace Young and Billy Gilman.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Is it a scam? I don’t watch it and have my own priorities for my medical research money, but I always thought it was a worthy cause. But just today I was wondering, is any progress being made? Is more money the answer? How many million and millions of dollars has Jerry Lewis raised, and yet I’ve never heard of any medical treatment breakthroughs in 44 years.
I read some stuff about 7 years ago that showed well below 50% of the money raised ever gets to research, it’s all expenses and a bunch of $100K plus salaries for those involved. No surprise there is no cure as of yet.
Thank you! Some truth here, at last! Don’t worry, I got yer back. g
But I ain't gotta watch him.
BINGO, t Minus. Initially, I think it was well-intended. But now I think it’s just one big MONEY GRAB cash cow. I’d be willing to bet much if not all of the money is already spent (borrowed) before it’s even pledged!
Ed McMahon - the best second fiddle EVER! made a career out of it. RIP, Ed. You were good, not great...but good.
Yeah, it’s pretty bad when you look into it. I remember there was a sizeable expose’ written about 7 years ago, and the people from MDA were all angry at it, but they offered no counter to the information presented, the facts were facts. Didn’t make that whole MDA thing look very good, that’s for sure. I’m just tired at how everyone’s knee-jerk reaction is to get all sympathetic towards this telethon just because Jerry puts on his weepy emotional act every year.
I remember being a kid and the telethon was the only thing on TV. It’s a great cause, but I’m glad I live in the digital age.
Did a short tribute. Had a large photo with am American and marine flag. A lot of clips of Ed and Jerry together; some with Ed singing. Ed talking to kids and their families and fundraiser events. Several other guests mentioned Ed.
What percentage goes to research and treatment?
Since you know the truth and got his back, please provide the answer to #30.
Did he go to LA for a couple of years?
If I remember correctly, the corporate sponsors (with public donations) bring in more than the calls and their amount is over 90 mill.
I don’t remember the exact percentage for that year, but I remember being appalled. So much so that I looked into some of the other well-known charities and their percentages and all that. I guess I could probably go look up some recent stuff, but I had seen enough back then to ensure I would never put a dime into MDA.
Without stats you’re just blowing smoke. I’m a big fan, but the numbers can convince me.
Tell you what, I’ll go look up some stuff and try to get back on here tomorrow. But off the top of my head, I seem to remember the percentage that ultimately went to research was in the upper 30’s, below 40%. Expenses were extraordinary. Again, this was a while ago, but it was ridiculous. I remember seeing a Marine Corp fundraising outfit that did all their work and still was able to send well over 90% of the money raised to the cause. Somehow, they didn’t need 60+% for expenses. Amazing.
anything over 75% is good IIRC. I think united way or red cross was doing 60.
Yeah, United Way was ridiculous and some people got busted with that group. And I know that percentages can vary from year to year on this stuff, but it just doesn’t feel right when such large dollars are being taken for expenses.
Is this true that the MDA eats most of this money in
administative?
Does’nt alot of the money go towards ambulatory care for those with M.D?
Don’t know. I just know what I’ve read about them in the past, admittedly a lot of years ago. But they don’t get really high ratings among those who rate these charities, for the way they handle the money raised. And seriously, any chance of a cure here, Jerry? I mean, how many decades?!!
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