KFVS TO HOLD MDA TELETHON AT SHOW ME CENTER LABOR DAY

For the 15th year, KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau will broadcast the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day to benefit people with muscular dystrophy and associated illnesses.

The telethon began on a small New York station in 1966 and has been helping people since, said MDA District Director Ken Lucy.

Broadcasting will begin at 9 a.m. Monday from the Show Me Center, linking movie star Jerry Lewis in Los Angeles with other sites across the United States. Entertainers will perform on television throughout the day as people are encouraged to call in pledges for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In Cape Girardeau, the MDA raised $305,247 in telethon donations last year. Lucy said any amount more than that raised this year would be fine with him. His office at 905 Broadway serves 275 people in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

"We'll have room at the Show Me Center for a few thousand people," Lucy said. "There will be lots of activities going on for the families who come out and visit."

In addition to the telethon, to be emceed locally by KFVS news anchor Mary-Ann Maloney and sports director Randy Ray, there will be an arts and crafts show on the main arena floor. An old-fashioned backyard cookout, games and strolling minstrels should add to the day's fun.

"People can have a picnic at the center or take some barbecue to go," Lucy said.

Admission and parking are free.

Meanwhile, community leaders and people from all walks of life will man the phones to accept pledges. Some will make calls encouraging people to donate money to help in the battle against muscular dystrophy.

The telethon will end at 6:30 p.m.