Editorial: Jewis Lewis shoved off telethon

Jerry Lewis got canned by the MDA Telethon this week. Additionally they said he won't be appearing on any future telethons in any capacity.

I don't know what the back story on this is.

But if some guy was largely responsible for $2.6 billion being donated to my charity, I'd treat him better.

He hosted the thing for 45 years. You think maybe letting him on for a song once a year would kill you?

As one Los Angeles Times columnist wrote, without Jerry, "There is really no reason to watch it now."

Even if the format was becoming outmoded and the revenue declining, it would have been good, as a fellow comic put it, to let him say good bye.

Maybe after we find the cure for MD, we can find out how to fix rudeness and clue the MDA in.

Oh, and Jerry--thanks!


Image

Not a hand-me-down

The Problem: New clothes for foster kids

Who: Neat Stuff

Why are they special? "Neat Stuff provides free brand new clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts to meet some of the basic needs of abused, neglected and other children in distress, allowing them to dress with pride and dignity, inspiring their self worth."

A neat idea, an executive director not making six figures and a four star rating on Charity Navigator. Wow!

Where: Miami, Florida

Started: 1995

What the top person makes: $84,060 (2010)

General site: Home

Charity Navigator report

Link to help: Help

Deductible? Yes in US


Image

2 great actors and an ocean

The Problem: Ocean conservation

Who: Oceana

Why are they special? Employs scientists, economists and lawyers to promote ocean conservation. Reportedly the largest such organization.

Actors Ted Danson and Sam Waterston are on the board of directors.

Where: Washington, DC

Started: 2001

What the top person makes: $211,903 (2009)

General site: Home

Charity Navigator report

Link to help: Donate

Deductible? Yes in US


Image

Pheasant habitat

The Problem: Habitat conservation for pheasants

Who: Pheasants Forever

Why are they special? Claim their "wildlife habitat projects have benefited more than 5.3 million acres across the continent."

Where: St. Paul, Minnesota

Started: 1982

What the top person makes: $193,305 (2009). (By comparision, the executive director of the Sierra Club Foundation makes about $50,000 less.)

General site: Home

Charity Navigator report

Link to help: Contribute

Deductible? Not stated


Image

Worrying About Cancer-- Not Doctor Bills

The Problem: Breast cancer

Who: The Rose

Why are they special? Seek to reduce breast cancer by providing services (more than 70,000 a year) regardless of ability to pay

Where: Houston, Texas

Started: 1986

What the top person makes: $118,652 (2009)

General site: Home

Charity Navigator report

Link to help: Help

Deductible? Not stated (Don't know why more charities don't spell this out)

Image

Uncle Sam fallen on hard times

The Problem: Inability to live within means

Who: United States government

Why are they special? 307 million call the place home

Where: Washington, DC

Started: 1776

What the top person makes: $400,000

General site: Home

Charity Navigator has not evaluated this charity.

Link to help: Donate

Deductible? Not stated

Image courtesy of vitasamb2001

Remembering where we came from

The Problem: Preserving Italian American culture in the US

Who: Sons of Italy Foundation

Why are they special? Provides grants to organizations preserving and advancing Italian American culture or supporting educational excellence among Italian Americans.

Where: Washington, DC

Started: 1959

What the top person makes: The executive director is not compensated by the charity but makes $73,702 from "affiliates"

General site: Home

Charity Navigator report.

Link to help: Donate

Deductible? Yes

Image