Telethon Raised $4.2 Million

By COLlive reporter
Photos by David Miller, Carl Mahoney, Menachem Krinsky

The 31st annual L’Chaim “To Life!” Telethon raised over 4.2 million dollars during an intensely emotional 3 hour extravaganza for Chabad of the West Coast’s activities around California, which includes shuls, schools, homeless shelters and drug treatment centers.

Sunday’s evening began with an introduction by returning host Larry King who pointed out that “each of us has friends who have lost their jobs and could use our help tonight.”

Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of Chabad of California, assured the viewing audience that “we should not fear darkness,” only that “we should eradicate it through giving.” He then sounded the Shofar, in honor of the approaching Jewish New Year.

True to form, the Chabad Telethon went on to showcase a variety of entertainment, co-hosts Sam Rubin and Stella Inger helped lead an evening filled with celebrity appearances by Jon Voight, Howie Mandel, Tom Arnold, and a surprise visit by an energetic actor and comedian Brad Garrett.

Exciting and moving musical performances (some prerecorded) included Broadway legend Mike Burstyn, Avraham Fried, Mordechai Ben David and the Yeshiva Boys Choir.

Unique, exciting and precious items were donated by corporate sponsors as donor appreciation gifts. These items include a dazzling Menorah by Cosmo Collection, custom inscribed by Awards Plus, original art by Raphael Abecassis, the official telethon watch by Croton and the official telethon jacket, hat and cap generously sponsored by Action Embroidery.

“These challenging times call for increased joy and a renewed commitment to help those in need. Each one of us has the opportunity and the responsibility to share the precious gift of joy. That’s been the underlying theme of this Telethon for 31 years,” Larry King said.

The Telethon is co-chaired by Hollywood mega producer Jerry Weintraub and attorney Marshall Grossman.

HOW IT STARTED

The first Telethon aired in 1980, after tragedy had struck Chabad. A devastating fire swept through the organization’s headquarters in Westwood, destroying the Chabad House and claiming the lives of 3 young men.

To help recover from the disaster, a special event was planned: a live, televised fundraiser featuring actors, musicians, community leaders and concerned citizens. Joined by the rabbis of Chabad, the guests would ask for community support to help the organization rebuild.

Hosted by actor Carroll O’Connor and comedian Jan Murray, the Telethon was an instant hit. It received such an overwhelming viewer response that the one-time event became an annual tradition, and now serves as Chabad’s biggest fundraiser each year.

And the image of the dancing rabbi–symbolic of the happiness felt when people perform good deeds–has become a pop culture icon.

“Whether it’s a child who needs a nurturing education, a senior citizen who needs some companionship, or an addict who needs a second chance–there are so many members of our community who are in desperate need,” said Rabbi Cunin.

“Chabad has always been blessed by caring and compassionate supporters, and we want the Telethon to inspire them to come together to dance, to sing, and to reach out to those less fortunate.”

This year’s list of corporate sponsors included Ralphs Supermarkets, the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Schnitzly, Clear Channel, KTLA Television, Bingham, Action Embroidery, Croton Watch company, Jewish Life Television, AAA Flag and Banner, Cosmo Collection, Eyecorp, Regency Outdoor, Feedyoursoul.org and Awards Plus.