HOUSTON -- A Labor Day tradition -- giving to Jerry's kids -- once again aired on KPRC Local 2. The annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon began Sunday at 11 p.m. and ended at 6 p.m. Monday.

KPRC has aired the event for more than 40 years. KPRC Local 2 anchors Bill Balleza, Dominique Sachse, Jerome Gray, Wendy Corona and Courtney Zavala hosted the Houston coverage.

The local coverage of the telethon originated from the Houston Westchase Marriott, located at 2900 Briarpark Drive.

More than $3,426,240 was donated from Houston and surrounding areas in 2008, shattering 2007's donations of $2,880,760.

Nationwide, a record-breaking $65 million was raised, beating 2007's record of $63.7 million to help fight muscular dystrophy.

The 22-hour star-studded variety show simultaneously entertains, informs and raises funds for the service and research programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The telethon was broadcast live from the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Lewis Encourages Donations to Salvation Army

Muscular Dystrophy Association national chairman and telethon host Jerry Lewis used his Labor Day Telethon to encourage viewers to donate to the Salvation Army to assist families affected by Gustav.

Lewis, 82, asked viewers of his 43rd Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon to not only make a donation to the Telethon, but also to make a donation to the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services.

Lewis also asked those families registered with MDA who evacuated from their homes due to Gustav to seek out MDA services wherever they end up.

Families in the area can find an MDA office by calling (800) 572-1717 from a landline.

Donations to the Salvation Army can be made to www.salvationarmy.org and (800) SAL-ARMY.

Lewis has starred in the telethon for all of its 43-year history. He's dedicated much of his life to MDA's mission to defeat progressive and often fatal neuromuscular illnesses through programs of research and medical services.

Longtime participant Ed McMahon shared hosting duties with such celebrities as Tony Orlando and "Access Hollywood" host Nancy O'Dell. Performers included Celine Dion, 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock and Reba McEntire.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency working to eliminate the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services and health education. MDA programs are funded almost entirely by individual contributors.