Crip with muscular dystrophy turns table on Jerry Lewis's telethon by hosting counter-telethon fundraiser for literacy
Syracuse, New York August 26, 1999 -- Crips aren't always on the receiving end of charity, says Greg Smith, host of the syndicated talk show "On A Roll." Smith, who has muscular dystrophy -- the disease Jerry Lewis raises funds for on his Labor Day telethon -- is having fun with Lewis and aiding a good cause by emceeing a telethon to raise funds for Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. on Sept. 5., the Sunday of the much-disliked-by-activists Lewis extravaganza.
Onarollathon '99 will air from 9 to 11 p.m. Eastern time on "On A Roll" affiliate radio stations and on the Internet at http://www.broadcast.com/shows/onaroll. Smith says there'll be musical acts, comedians, poetry readings and celebrities like Wally Amos, creator of Famous Amos cookies and a 20-year spokesperson for LVA.
"People with disabilities care about important social issues," says Smith. "We are a part of a powerful civil rights movement that can create positive change, which is why we are joining forces to help advance another great cause.
"On Labor Day weekend, when people with disabilities are usually depicted as helpless objects of pity, we want to deliver the message that we are important builders of this society."
All proceeds from Onarollathon '99 will go directly to LVA, says Smith -- donations can be made any time prior to the Sept. 5 event. (Send to Onarollathon Literacy Volunteers of America, P.O. Box 559, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. Donations may also be made through the LVA web site, www.literacyvolunteers.org) On the day of the event, those wishing to donate may call 1-800-LVA-8812.
Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., is a national nonprofit organization which delivers local literacy services through a network of more than 50,000 volunteers nationwide. The LVA network consists of 366 community programs in 41 states.
CONTACTS:
On A Roll Radio
Greg Smith at
937-767-1838.
Literacy Volunteers of America
Marsha L. Tait, President
315-472-0001, ext. 250
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