MDA Telethon 2011 raises $61.5 million for "Jerry's Kids" -- excludes host Jerry Lewis

from blog at ORLANDO Sentinel , FLORIDA TV writer's column
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/category/steven-tyler

Jerry Lewis wasn’t there, but he was remembered.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon opened with remarks about Lewis, who had hosted the event since 1966. Later, Celine Dion paid tribute to her “dear friend” Lewis.
The big news Sunday night was that the telethon raised nearly $61.5 million in six hours. And that was an impressive increase from the $58.9 million raised last year during a 21.5-hour telethon.
There were reports this would be the final telethon for Lewis, but MDA later announced he wouldn’t appear. Stepping in this year as hosts were Nigel Lythgoe (“American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance”), Jann Carl, Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”) and Nancy O’Dell (“Entertainment Tonight”). They talked about Lewis as three large photos of the veteran entertainer decorated the set.
Sweeney talked about the generous example that Lewis set. Lythgoe directed his comments to Lewis, saying the comedian could never be replaced. O’Dell promised they would carry on Lewis’ message and mission.
What exactly happened? We may never know. The “CBS Evening News” talked to other comedians who weren’t happy about the MDA’s treatment of Lewis.
Larry Miller complained: “If this is the way we are going culturally, then we should go all the way and tell grandpa we don’t need him for Thanksgiving.”
And Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons”) said of Lewis: “He basically just put his entire personality on display to be told ‘thanks, goodbye’ is the ultimate in humiliation.”