With Americans avid to help those hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon did double duty. Airing frequent appeals for viewers to make pledges both to the fight against neuromuscular diseases and to hurricane relief efforts, the 40th annual Labor Day weekend broadcast brought in $54.9 million in pledges and contributions.

Star Jerry Lewis declared the show “one of the best Telethons ever,” an achievement made possible with the assistance of old friends and an eclectic entertainment mix.

1: Actor Sean Hayes cracks up co-host Jann Carl and Jerry as he introduces Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Chairman Dick Askin. The academy presented Jerry with the Governors Award during the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his humanitarian accomplishments on the Telethon.

2: Hit groups like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy keep the entertainment roster lively.

3: MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Morgan Fritz, with her father, Ron, speaks to the Telethon audience from her heart.

4: Major George Hood of the Salvation Army thanks Jerry for using the resources of the MDA Telethon to help raise funds for the Salvation Army's hurricane relief program.

5: International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger thrills Jerry with the organization’s record $21 million in contributions.

6: Anchor Ed McMahon deftly introduces new totes, MDA sponsors and guests.

7: Jim McCaslin, Harley-Davidson president and chief operating officer, presents $4.6 million, raised during the company’s 25th year as an MDA sponsor.