ISSUE: Jerry Lewis' telethon

OUR VIEW: Labor Day tradition shows how celebrities can be great role models

At at time when athletic icons are being chastised as poor role models, it is important to praise where praise is due among those with big names and much influence.

Comedian Jerry Lewis is no athlete, although his antics from the past might well have qualified him. In his elder years, Lewis remains one of the most generous people on the American landscape.

This past weekend, for the 42nd time, the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon lived up to is promise to raise at least "one dollar more" for the fight against muscular dystrophy.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association's telethon set a record of $63,759,478 in contributions and pledges, which will fund research, services and information for people with any of the neuromuscular diseases under MDA's umbrella.

"I'm deeply grateful for the incredible generosity and support of the American public," said Lewis, who is MDA national chairman. "Each year they outdo themselves in supporting our quest for cures for diseases that steal the strength -- and the lives -- of 'my kids.'"

The 21.5-hour event originated live from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. Beginning Sunday night, it was broadcast nationwide and in Canada on 190 stations in MDA's "Love Network."

MDA Board member and veteran showman Ed McMahon put in his 40th appearance as the Telethon's anchor, while Jann Carl of the television entertainment news show "Entertainment Tonight"; Tom Bergeron, host of "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos"; and comedians Norm Crosby and Bob Zany assisted Lewis as co-hosts. Alison Sweeney, "Days of our Lives" star and host of "The Biggest Loser," made her debut as a telethon co-host.

Award-winning recording artist and MDA National Chairman Billy Gilman performed and hosted special youth segments.

This year's telethon included appeals and a wide array of entertainment by musicians, comedians, singers, dancers and some of Broadway's best casts. The lineup included Celine Dion, Montgomery Gentry, Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Ivanka Trump, John Madden, Vanessa L. Williams, Thelma Houston, Carrot Top, Ronn Lucas, Ace Young, Bear in the Big Blue House, Commodores, John Tesh, Lance Burton, David Cassidy, Louie Anderson, John Ondrasik, Maureen McGovern, Terry Fador and the casts of Grease and Legally Blonde.

Several families living with neuromuscular diseases were profiled and interviewed live or on video on the show.

MDA's largest national sponsor, the International Association of Fire Fighters, presented checks representing the agency's year-round fund-raising efforts in the record amount of $25 million. Partnering with the MDA since 1954, the IAFF has raised more than $300 million in the battle to conquer muscular dystrophy.

Two years ago in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Lewis' telethon was also about raising money to assist victims. For Lewis, it was a natural, the thing to do.

He said then he's confident the American people will never let him down in his efforts to help through the telethon or other endeavors. We'll bet he is right.

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