MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis again delivered his signature Telethon song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” to culminate the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon which raised $58, 919,838 in contributions and pledges to advance the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s lifesaving mission. Photo by Eric McCandless

Las Vegas, Nev.– After 21 ½ hours of great entertainment and powerful appeals, the final timpani rolled and confetti fell on the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon which raised $58,919,838 in contributions and pledges to advance the research and service programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“I’m heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially,” said Lewis. “People see the progress MDA is making for children and adults living with muscle diseases. I’m truly grateful for their caring enough to brighten the future for ‘my kids’.”

The Telethon originated for the fifth year from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, reaching some 40 million viewers by way of MDA’s Telethon network of some 170 television stations, as well as cable throughout the United States and Canada. Millions more around the world saw the Telethon at www.mda.org courtesy of RealNetworks.

“For the first time ever, the Telethon opened with the stage set for one child, MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA president & CEO and Telethon executive producer.

There was not a dry eye in the house as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali sang “Ordinary Miracle.” Umali, the first youngster to ever open the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, was unflappable as she warmed Telethon Co-host Jann Carl by making an immediate heartfelt appeal following her performance. Abbey encouraged America to give generously to help advance the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s lifesaving mission.

After 11-year-old Umali said “now on with the show,” the stage was immediately filled with tap dancers choreographed by Tyce Diorio – followed by a host of performers including Barry Manilow, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, and Charo; groups Lynyrd Skynyrd, WAR, OneRepublic and The Oak Ridge Boys; Las Vegas productions “Viva Elvis by Cirque du Soleil,” “Jersey Boys” and “Vegas! The Show”; Broadway segments from “Memphis,” “Rock of Ages” and “Million Dollar Quartet”; and the cast of the television show “Glee,” as well as a host of others.

Telethon co-hosts included Alison Sweeney, Nancy O’Dell and Jann Carl – as well as special guest co-hosts Nigel Lythgoe, Richard Belzer, Ace Young, Brandon Barash, John Pinette and Billy Gilman.

Comedic performers included Carrot Top, John Pinette, Norm Crosby, and Bob Zany.

The third annual Telethon Online Auction, held in conjunction with the broadcast and hosted by Brandon Barash, continues through Sept. 15 at www.mda.org/auctions. It features hundreds of unique items.

Grammy-nominated recording artist Ace Young, Nigel Lythgoe, Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon co-host and executive producer of “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” plus David Archuleta singing sensation, from left to right, took a moment during the Telethon to celebrate MDA’s new “Make A Muscle, Make A Difference” public awareness campaign. Young and Archuleta were both “American Idol” finalists, so it was a happy reunion for the prime-time show mates. The Telethon is expected to have been watched by 40 million Americans.

“MDA is fortunate indeed” said Weinberg, “to have the support of so many celebrity friends, corporate/organization sponsors, television and cable stations, and most important, a caring public.”

The family of MDA sponsors includes: A&P, Acosta, Bally Total Fitness, Burger King, CITGO, ClubCorp, 7-Eleven, DECA, Dr. Pepper/7-Up, ERA, Harley-Davidson, International Association of Fire Fighters, Kappa Alpha, Lowe’s, National Association of Letter Carriers, Popeye’s, Safeway, SuperValu, and Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America.

MDA’s Augie’s Quest research initiative also raised more than $4.1 million to speed worldwide ALS research.

Last year, the Telethon total was $60,481,231.

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