2003 MDA TELETHON WINS PRIMETIME EMMY

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2004 — The 2003 Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association has been awarded a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The Telethon’s award was one of 60 presented in a ceremony Sept. 12 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Awards in an additional 27 categories will be presented Sunday during the televised 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

Choreographer Jason Samuels Smith was specifically named in the award, which recognized dance numbers performed on the 38th MDA Telethon, broadcast Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2003. The annual 21 1/2-hour Labor Day event raises funds to support MDA’s programs of services and research.

“I know we put on an outstanding show every year, but it’s nice to get the recognition that confirms it,” said Telethon Producer Lee Miller. “Jason Samuels Smith’s choreography is truly phenomenal.”

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

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