LAS VEGAS (AP) — Muscular Dystrophy Association officials say this year’s telethon garnered nearly $61.5 million in contributions.
MDA Vice President Jim Brown says Sunday night’s program gained almost $2.6 million more than last year’s total.
The live broadcast was held without comedian Jerry Lewis, who has ended his 45-year run.
Brown says the charitable contributions for 2011 of $61,491,393 were the MDA’s best showing since 2008 when the recession started.
He says the telethon took in $58,919,838 last year.
