Jerry Lewis presents 43rd telethon

In his 43rd year hosting the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon, Jerry Lewis will use his star power to address a disaster that has not yet occurred. As Hurricane Gustav approaches the southern coastline of the United States, Lewis will use the telethon to encourage viewers to donate not only to MDA, but to the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services, as well, MarketWatch reported. The idea is to provide necessary financial support for transportation and other incidental costs that victims of muscular dystrophy may encounter during or after evacuation. According to United Press International, Lewis released a statement saying that MDA "has almost 5,000 registered families in the areas affected by the Gulf Coast evacuation." UPI also reported that Celine Dion, Kid Rock, and Ludacris, among others, would be on hand to help Lewis meet his goal. According to eFluxMedia, the 2007 telethon raised $63.7 million, and Lewis hoped to surpass that record this Labor Day weekend. Since 1966, the MDA telethon has reportedly raised close to $2 billion for research and care. It is anticipated, UPI said, that this year's telethon will reach around 40 million US and Canadian homes.