there was the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.
Growing up, Labor Day weekend signaled three things. It was the last weekend spent at the beach club we attended all summer, High Ridge, school would be starting in a couple of days and the Telethon was on channel 5.
The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon was first broadcast on TV in 1966. The show would start on Sunday and run for 22 1/2 hours straight, ending at 6:30 pm on Labor Day. It was a variety show of sorts, with a cross section of singers, comedians and other acts. The purpose was to entertain the audience and encourage them to make a monetary donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In between live acts, they would show "the tote board" which noted how much money was being raised for people suffering from Muscular Dystrophy. The first year's total was $1,002.114.00.
After hosting the show for 44 years, the final total raised by Jerry Lewis just topped $59 million dollars in 2010.
The most poignant moment for me was always at the close of the program.
A clearly exhausted Jerry Lewis, sitting on a stool in the center of the stage, would sing "You'll never walk alone."
I cried every single time.
I've read varying accounts of people's reviews of the Telethon and of Jerry Lewis,
his motives and performance.
Say what you will - I think the man did an incredible job in raising not only funds
but also awareness of an awful disease, and the toll it takes on its victims and families.
For me, that's all that matters.
I've also heard there is a lot of opinion, both positive and negative,
about the current ALS fund raiser.
Since the ice water started flowing, participants have raised over $100 million dollars.
That's up from $2.6 million, before the challenge went "viral."
Phenomenal.
I say: God bless everyone who takes the time to contribute,
by any means or any amount they can afford,
to help their fellow human beings.
Actions, not words, are what count.
Happy Labor Day!
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