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View Full Version : The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon


Jack1000
09-01-2003, 03:58 PM
Guys,

I want to say that I am one of the strongest supports of the MDA association and what Jerry Lewis has done with his telethon for the past 25+ years. Anyone who can do what he does to help research nuromuscular diesases certainly deserves credit and support.

My problem is that the format of the telethon has taken a downward slant over the years. I don't know why. It's almost like if Jerry gets a big check from lets say a major coorperation, that he just assumes that the donation is coming, but I wonder if he is thinking "Hummmmm $500,0000 what is this sh*t? You guys gave a million last year!......"next" Some people feel the show is just supporting a case, but critics akin it to a religious evangelist program. I think that's a low blow and disagree. It's a matter of supporting a case and what you believe in. It is your money and whether you want to support the MDA, cancer research, or your favorite religous evangelist, that is your own business. My question with regard to the MDA Telethon, or United Ceribral Palsy Telethon is, where does your money go? For those who have contributed, has there ever been a breakdown that determines what percentage of that money goes toward education, research, medical technology...ect. I think it would be a major benifit to the telethon if they offered statistical information during the show explaining what percentage of money goes to what department to help assist in education amd research to find a cure.

Jack

webuster
09-02-2003, 02:36 PM
I agree entirely with you- there are very few charities now that don't squander alot of donations on advertising- so if I donate I make sure that it's likely the donation will reach the cause. I also think it's bad that some critics think Jerry uses pity to get donations- when you do a telethon what do you expect him to do? If you don't treat a person with an illness any different you're also overlooking their needs- so people should be thankful for Lewis' work and not critiscise him.

Brian Damage
09-02-2003, 03:07 PM
How did he do this year? Did top 60 million(last years total)

Small Wonderian
09-02-2003, 08:16 PM
Originally posted by Brian Damage
How did he do this year? Did top 60 million(last years total)

Yeah, this year's total was more than last year's. :)