As we approach Labor Day, many of us still associate that national holiday with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Labor Day Telethon which began in 1966 and was annually held until 2014. Although the glory days of an all-day telethon for charity are long past, the MDA event holds a strong and memorable place in fundraising as it helped cumulatively collect over $2 billion. So many of the most well-known show business personalities and musical acts appeared on the show that a list that appears on the MDA website is like a Hollywood history lesson. The other anniversary that brings this telethon to mind is that the world-famous comedian Jerry Lewis, who hosted the MDA telethon for 44 years, passed away one year ago on August 20, 2017.

While fundraising on television has evolved into much shorter segments that seek to motivate viewers to contribute, more charities have turned to social media to help spread messages and images about their favorite cause.

Although Labor Day may no longer be the donation magnet it once was for MDA, it marks the end of summer and in some ways begins the march towards the now global day of contributing: Giving Tuesday which will be held on November 27, 2018.

Video of the Week

To further spotlight Muscular Dystrophy Association and as part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video of Lynn O’Connor Vos, President and CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Association (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks to cure muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases by funding worldwide research and provide comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy, and education.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Feeding America
• National Congress of Parents and Teachers
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are  interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.  

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance