$58.7 Million … and Still Counting

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has announced an initial total of $58,706,015 as of midnight Sunday, September 30, thanks to efforts surrounding our MDA SHOW of STRENGTH™. 

The newly-branded MDA SHOW of STRENGTH, which aired on 150 stations nationwide, featured the commitment, dedication and support of viewers from across the nation who joined forces with volunteers, celebrities and entertainers, and national and local sponsors to show their strength for one common goal — to win the fight against muscle diseases.

"The incredible support of our national partners and their loyal customers, plus the generosity of the American public who called, texted or went online to donate, will help MDA provide care through our network of 200 clinics in the U.S., as well as help to send kids to MDA summer camps at no cost to their families,” said MDA Interim President and Medical Director Valerie Cwik, M.D. “Their support will make a lifesaving difference in MDA’s worldwide research program, which this year will invest almost $36 million in vital projects.”

The signature Labor Day weekend show continued as the centerpiece of the Association’s yearlong fundraising efforts. In addition to superstar performers such as will.i.am, Carrie Underwood, Pitbull and Carole King, the three-hour telecast featured uplifting stories of strength offering a window into the lives of individuals and families affected by muscle diseases; inspiring messages from many corporate sponsors, organizations and national brands; and heartfelt appeals from MDA ambassadors and celebrities.

National partners acknowledged on MDA SHOW of STRENGTH

“For more than five decades, sponsoring organizations and corporations have partnered with MDA knowing they are making a huge impact,” said MDA Executive Vice President of Business Development Kevin Moran. “In an effort to help their neighbors in need, they’ve committed to rallying support from communities nationwide and are helping advance MDA’s mission in powerful ways.” 

Special acknowledgment was made of the crucial support provided by MDA national sponsors, including: Acosta, Burger King Corp., CITGO Petroleum Corp., Harley-Davidson Motor Co., International Association of Fire Fighters, Jiffy Lube International, Lowe’s Home Improvement, National Association of Letter Carriers, Safeway Foundation, 7-Eleven and 7UP. 

About MDA SHOW of STRENGTH

The fast-paced three-hour Labor Day weekend telecast continued to be the heart of the Association’s yearlong fundraising efforts, showcasing the passion and urgency behind its mission. The show included dynamic performances, celebrity appearances and inspirational “stories of strength” about families affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

In addition to Carrie Underwood, Pitbull, will.i.am and Carole King, the following stars also appeared on the 2012 show: All-American Rejects, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, B.o.B, Brandy, Luke Bryan, Gavin DeGraw, Hot Chelle Rae, Karmin, Alanis Morissette, OneRepublic, Eva Simons, Paula Abdul, Max Adler, Jann Carl, Diana DeGarmo, Lou Ferrigno, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Jesse McCartney, Tim McGraw, The Miz, Nancy O’Dell, Khloé Kardashian Odom, Alison Sweeney, Ace Young and more.

Visit MDA's YouTube page to see MDA SHOW of STRENGTH in its entirety, and go to MDA's SHOW of STRENGTH Extras page to catch backstage interviews, view bonus performances and browse through show photos.

For information on the rich history of the telethon, visit mda.org/about/telethon-history.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Thanks to the support of MDA national partners and donations from local communities, 77 percent of every dollar spent — more than $135 million in 2011 — is invested in MDA’s research, services and education programs. 

For more information, visit mda.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/MDAnational and Twitter @MDAnews.