The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon is as much a part of the Labor Day Weekend as the beach and a barbeque. For over 40 years, Jerry Lewis has gone on television along with other celebrities and appealed to the audiences to make pledges for the children who are victims of muscular dystrophy. Shortly after the telethon began in 1966, everyone referred to them as “Jerry’s Kids,” and in the months preceding the telethon, many stores still have the cans out for everyone to help “Jerry’s Kids.”
What began as a 16-hour appeal that raised $1 million in its first year is now an old day event that raised $60 million in 2004. Neither Mr. Lewis nor any of the other volunteers, celebrities included, receive any money for their tireless efforts. It is unknown why Mr. Lewis is such an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association because he has never spoken about it other than to say the kids are what matters. In addition, today the efforts are also presented across the Internet where even more people can participate in this once a year fund raising effort.
For over four decades, people all across the nation have pledged millions off dollars to aid in research and programs for the victims of muscular dystrophy. With the inclusion of the Internet into the fund raising efforts during the Labor Day weekend, one can only imagine how much farther these efforts will reach. Instead of a national effort, the Internet makes it possible for an international appeal to reach people all over the world who want to make pledges to the worthwhile organization.
For anyone who is home or close to a television set on Labor Day weekend, it is certainly worth the time to take a few minutes to tune in and see the efforts that are being made in this direction. Make it a part of your Labor Day weekend just as it has become an icon of everyone in the world. One cannot help but be impressed with the work that is done by all of the volunteers.
