Jerry Lewis Telethon Raises Close to $60 Million Dollars for MDA

The 2010 Jerry Lewis Telethon for muscular dystrophy brought in a whole lot of money this year, but for the second year in a row, the numbers are on a decline. The Jerry Lewis Telethon raised $58,919,837 this year, about $1.5 million less than last year, according to MSNBC.

Even though this year’s Telethon, the 45th, wasn’t as lucrative as last years, given the current economic situation, it was still a huge success.

“I think it ($58.9 million) is a huge amount for a tough economy,” said Jann Carl, who co-hosted the telethon with Lewis. “This is what brings tears to our eyes. It shows the heart of America. We’re terribly humbled and so grateful.”

According to the Las Vegas Sun, it is only the sixth time since the Jerry Lewis Telethon started in 1959, that the earnings were less than the previous year.

Dozens of performers joined Jerry Lewis on stage for the 21 hour telethon, which started last night.

“I’m heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially,” said Lewis, who is the national chairman of the MDA .

To close the telethon, the 84 year old comedian sang “You Will Never Walk Alone.”