Telethon surpasses $60 million
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Despite the lingering effects of the recession, the 44th annual Jerry Lewis telethon raised nearly $60.5 million in contributions and pledges to fight muscular dystrophy, the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. announced Monday.
Last year’s telethon raised a record $65 million.
The 21 1/2 -hour event, originating at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, reached an estimated 40 million television viewers, the MDA said. Entertainers who appeared this year included Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, Train, Five for Fighting and Charo.
Lewis, 83, shared hosting duties this year with Nancy O’Dell of “Access Hollywood,” “Days of Our Lives” star Alison Sweeney and television hostess Jann Carl.
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