Bob Blisten of Dane Productions is seeking volunteers who previously worked the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon to assist with an upcoming effort. Blisten has requested that former volunteers contact him by August 17th to finalize a list.

Volunteer Recruitment for Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon

Bob Blisten, representing Dane Productions, has issued a call for volunteers who have previously participated in the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. Blisten stated that he has lost some contact phone numbers and requires support from past volunteers. Individuals who worked the telethon with Blisten are asked to call 818-349-6600. The deadline for finalizing the volunteer list is August 17th.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) offers various volunteer opportunities to support individuals living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. These opportunities aim to increase support for the community and expand the impact of MDA’s mission. Volunteers can choose from options such as becoming a Summer Camp Volunteer or participating in other available roles. The MDA highlights its volunteers in a monthly e-newsletter and encourages individuals to share their volunteer stories.

Volunteering with MDA provides a chance to directly impact people living with neuromuscular diseases. By dedicating time and skills, volunteers join a community focused on providing resources, support, and hope. Volunteer efforts contribute to MDA’s work in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for families. MDA volunteers also advocate for policies that improve access to care, accelerate therapeutic development, and empower the neuromuscular disease community to lead independent lives. The MDA's Mentorship Program seeks professionals from diverse career fields to empower young adults living with neuromuscular diseases, guiding participants through a 4-6 week virtual program.

Historical Context of MDA Telethon Volunteering

The annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon has historically relied on extensive volunteer support. In Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, the Ciavaglia family spearheaded local fundraising efforts for the MDA for four decades, operating a local call center for the telethon. Ralph and Rose Ciavaglia, both deceased, led the development and oversight of this call center. Two of their three children were born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

In 2011, the decision to condense the annual MDA telethon from a 21-hour televised event to a six-hour broadcast led to the end of the local call center tradition in Hasbrouck Heights. To mark this transition, the Ciavaglia family organized a celebration event over Labor Day weekend at the VFW Hall. This gathering aimed to recognize volunteers who had dedicated countless hours to supporting the telethon over the years. Bob Ciavaglia, a member of the family, stated that the event was not only to acknowledge the generosity of friends and family but also to "immortalize my parents’ message of living with hope for the millions of individuals and families affected by having a neuromuscular disease." The event also aimed to initiate a new fundraising tradition.

Broader Volunteer Landscape

Beyond the MDA, other organizations also rely heavily on volunteers. UT MD Anderson, for instance, considers volunteers "the heart" of its institution, playing a role in its mission to make cancer history. Volunteers at UT MD Anderson work alongside faculty and staff to assist patients and caregivers by providing comfort, hope, support, and referrals to institutional resources. Volunteer opportunities at UT MD Anderson include an On-site Program for adults and college students, and a myCancerConnection Off-site Phone Volunteer program for cancer survivors or caregivers, which offers one-on-one phone support. Other opportunities involve donating goods or services.

UT MD Anderson provides contact information for its Volunteer Services and Merchandising, located in the Main Building, basement level, below the chapel (RB.2800). The mailing address is UT MD Anderson, Volunteer Services and Merchandising, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 115, Houston, Texas 77030-4009. The phone number for volunteer inquiries is 713-792-JOIN (5646).

Key Facts

  • Bob Blisten of Dane Productions is seeking former Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon volunteers.
  • Volunteers are requested to call 818-349-6600.
  • The deadline for finalizing the volunteer list is August 17th.
  • The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) offers various volunteer opportunities to support individuals with neuromuscular diseases.
  • The Ciavaglia family in Hasbrouck Heights honored MDA telethon volunteers after the local call center tradition ended in 2011.
  • UT MD Anderson also utilizes volunteers to support its mission, offering various programs.