Entertainment > Lewis' Telethon to Aid Kids, Storm Victims

Jerry Lewis' Telethon to Raise Funds for Children With Muscular Dystrophy, Storm Victims

Comedian Jerry Lewis speaks during an interview in Beverly Hills, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005. The disaster brought to the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina sparked an outpouring of donations by everyone from major corporations to everyday Americans. So

A TV news report on lost youngsters in New Orleans, followed by footage of an elderly woman being pushed through flooded streets on a mattress, moved him to act.

"I had a box of Kleenex and I'm bawling like a child and I'm not believing it," Lewis told The Associated Press. "If I had the slightest chance of helping them a little, how do you not? ... These people are in trouble now."

Knowing the remarkable compassion of children with muscular dystrophy, Lewis said he's confident "his kids" agree with his decision.

The actor-comedian announced this week that he's splitting the telethon's attention between the Muscular Dystrophy Association's needs and those of victims of hurricane Katrina and is asking donors to divide their compassion.

"If you want to send me 20 bucks for my kids, send 10. Send the other 10 to these people in this trouble. The disaster is literally that and it has to be addressed," the actor-comedian told a news conference.

Celebrities will appeal for hurricane help during the first four hours of the telethon and its concluding four hours. The broadcast begins at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday and ends at 5:30 p.m. EDT Monday (check local listings for station).

A special 800 phone number will be used for the Katrina donations, with proceeds going to the Salvation Army in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Several other hurricane benefits featuring celebrities and musical acts are planned over the coming days.

Lewis, 79, will address viewers in taped remarks scheduled to open his telethon at the Beverly Hilton hotel.

"I know my kids will understand if I hold up the beginning of their show because there are hundreds of thousands of people who know now what suffering is. ... They are running out of time. And we, as generous and loving Americans, must help them."

The telethon, in its 40th year, will be carried by about 200 TV stations. The event raised nearly $60 million last year, and Lewis has made a point of saying that each year his goal is to raise $1 more.

Falling short won't bother him, he said during an interview in a large hotel office room bustling with dozens of telethon workers.

"I don't care if we don't raise 8 cents for my kids. I'll find another way to get it," he said.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, whose research and services benefit more than 1 million Americans affected by neuromuscular diseases, said this week it was donating $1 million to hurricane relief.

On the Net:

Muscular Dystrophy Association: http://www.mdausa.org

2005-09-03