[29] In 2009, the telethon extended its coverage to social media, with followers on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube receiving additional information and behind-the scenes material. "[37] On August 21, 2011, the Las Vegas Review-Journal released a report stating that the MDA reinstated Lewis as host of the telethon;[37] however, Lewis' publicist denied that report. The MDAA benefit broadcasts first originated from a variety of locations in New York City in 1954, as local telethons seen exclusively on WABD (later WNEW-TV and now WNYW) or WABC-TV, who donated their broadcast time for the event. When the MDA reformatted the telethon in 2011, it no longer allowed its border Love Network affiliates to display any pledge numbers for Canadian viewers. Others who appeared were Kesha, Ludacris, Brad Paisley, Laila Ali, Nancy O'Dell, Alyssa Milano, Kevin Frazier, Terry Fator, Victor Ortz, Dr. Richard E. Besser, Josh Groban, Charles Esten, Tom Bergeron, Chris Powell and Susan Lucci. Kelly: I'm sure I should talk about something philanthropic but when I. In France, they dont get the telethon.) Still, he raised an estimated $2 billion for Jerrys kids over more than a half-century with the MDA, and a well-orchestrated, celebrity-studded farewell to him on the telethon might have been a fundraising bonanza. The telethon has raised more than $2 billion since its inception for . The first MDA Labor Day Telethon was held the weekend of September 4 and 5, 1966. Lewis still continued to host at least 16 hours of his telethon until 1999 (a year when he had various medical issues), where he appeared for the first five hours and the last five hours of the telecast, with an extended pre-recorded segment presented during late-night hours, and other celebrities filling in for Lewis and Ed McMahon during the morning hours. Following the telethon, Lythgoe commented that he was sorry that Lewis did not take part, but that the show had to move on to ensure its survival, and added that he was welcome to make an appearance on the telethon anytime, saying that the annual event was "his baby." In some cases, the MDA would refuse to renew a contract with a station, leaving a market with no Love Network affiliate if another station was not found in time. In announcing the end of the telethon's 49-year run, MDA President and CEO Steven Derks noted the move was influenced by "the new realities of television viewing and philanthropic giving", noting the viral success of the Ice Bucket Challenge that built awareness and funds to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In response to the passing of legendary comedian Jerry Lewis, former national chairman and telethon star of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the extended MDA family today mourns his loss. [2] The show was hosted by comedian, actor, singer and filmmaker Jerry Lewis from its 1966 inception until 2010. Lou Gordon was doing a local cut-in on the mMda telethon and Chad Everett of. When the tote board updated to show they'd gotten over 2007's total, he screamed three times, "I got it!" For the second straight year, the show closed with a different song. Broadcast by local independent station WNEW-TV, the event was staged at New York's Americana Hotel, with a stage featuring a talk show-style desk and seating area for Lewis and performers, a performance area for a 19-piece jazz band, phone banks, and a large tote board to keep track of donations received. TV Horror Host. On Wednesday, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced the relaunch of their legendary Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, naming Kevin Hart as this years host. Early life Lewis was born on March 16, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, to a Jewish family.