[sammyg2]

My uncle used to host the New Mexico local channel of the Jerry Lewis telethon. He was a disc jockey and TV news anchor in El Paso (KROD) for years:

August 28, 1981
Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico


Jerry Lewis Fund-Raiser On Channel 13

The 16th Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon against Muscular Dystrophy will be broadcast from Albuquerque Sept. 6 and 7, by KGGM-TV, Channel 13.

The fundraising event is held to benefit the research and medical services programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The marathon, originating from Las Vegas' Sahara Hotel, will be carried by a coast-to-coast Love Network"of more than 210 TV stations. Local broadcast by KGGM-TV will begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 6, and continue through 5 p.m. on Labor day. Last year the Telethon produced a record $31 million for the national health agency's work, with New Mexico viewers pledging a record $205,000.

Lewis will be joined by anchorman Ed McMahon and local hosts Henry Tafoya, Mel Snodgrass and Mike Phillips, as KGGM will "cut away" from the network show for 15-minute segments in each hour to present reports of New Mexico's MDA activities. In New Mexico, with the help of Telethon proceeds and other fund-raising events, MDA funds three free clinics and operates an annual free summer camp program for clients with muscular dystrophy or one of 40 related disorders.