Taking over from Jerry Lewis who reigned as the charity’s mega-successful fundraiser until his death, Kevin Hart hosted a telethon yesterday for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
The inaugural MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon was streamed live in a 2-hour star-studded special featured an evening of comedy and musical performances that raised over $10.5 million.
The telethon, which benefitted both the MDA and Help From the Hart Charity also featured behind-the-scenes looks at the essential work of the impactful charities, their families, research, care, and advocacy. You can view the October 24 show here.
You can also pick up some unique items being auctioned online, including one-of-a kind items and experiences from Serena Williams, David Beckham, Stephen Curry, and more.
In this video, Kevin Hart and Robin Thicke create a catchy “chart topper” jingle for the audience to remember the “1-800-MDA-GIVE” number.
Additional celebrities who participated throughout the evening included David Beckham, Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Cindy Crawford, Whitney Cummings, Steph Curry, Adam Devine, Josh Gad, Liz Gillies, and Michael B. Jordan.
For more than 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has funded research and care for more than 300,000 people in the United States living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.
Since 1956, the legendary MDA Labor Day telethon hosted by comedian Jerry Lewis has raised nearly $2 billion, becoming the most successful fundraising event in the history of television.
