LAS VEGAS, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, a Labor Day staple for many U.S. TV viewers, tallied $58.9 million for muscular dystrophy research, the association said.

"I'm heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially," Lewis said in a release. "People see the progress MDA is making for children and adults living with muscle diseases. I'm truly grateful for their caring enough to brighten the future for 'my kids.'"

The telethon broadcast for the fifth year from South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, reaching approximately 40 million viewers through its network of some 170 television stations and cable, producers said. Worldwide, viewers caught the telethon on the Internet.

The third annual Telethon Online Auction, held in conjunction with the broadcast, will end Sept. 15, the association said.