What is a Telethon?

Found about Telethon through CRY Telethon - Homepage

Derived from the words "telephone" and "marathon", telethons are interactive television shows. Since the 1950's they have been phenomenally successful at tapping the reach and power of television to raise money for philanthropic causes. The biggest of them all, the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, is a 21½-hour, star-studded affair that raised $60.5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association last year. It has been broadcast every year, since its debut in 1966. Telethons are also popular in Australia, U.K, and Canada.

Jerry Lewis has been my most favorite actor and comedian and I also admire him for his social work.