Comedy club announces Jerry Lewis Award, Web-athon

[September 03, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Comedians who think Jerry Lewis was unceremoniously dumped from his post as chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and face of its annual telethon are holding a Web-athon of their own.

Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada said his club will hold a fundraiser on Monday featuring comedians such as Norm Crosby and Dave Chappelle. Fans can watch the performances online and make donations.

Proceeds of the event will be presented to those working toward a cure for muscular dystrophy as the Jerry Lewis Award. Masada said the event will be held annually on Labor Day until a cure is found.

The MDA announced last month that it was parting ways with Lewis after 45 years but offered no explanation for the split. Days after the announcement, Masada and comedians including Paul Rodriguez and Larry Dreesen gathered in support of the 85-year-old comedian.

In a letter dated Aug. 19, Lewis thanked Masada and the "funny men" for their efforts and expressed his "deepest appreciation and pride."

Lewis has not commented on what led to his departure from the MDA.

The MDA's annual telethon will be held Sunday.

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Online:

http://www.laughfactory.com/

[Associated Press]

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