CHABAD TELETHON This SUNDAY, September 14, 2008

The Chabad “To Life” Telethon is a joyful celebration of life and a reminder of the power of good deeds.

This year’s program will broadcast live from Hollywood on September 14 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. PDT (7PM – 1AM EDT). It will air in major markets across America and be seen around the globe on a live webcast at www.ToLife.com. Major TV channels carrying the 2008 Telethon include:

Los Angeles: KCAL Channel 9
S. Diego: Cox Channel 95
Time Warner Channel 12
S. Francisco: KTSF Channel 26
Las Vegas: KVMY Channel 12
Reno, NV: SNCAT
New York/New Jersey/Connecticut: WLNY Channel 55
Nationwide: American Life TV

Telethon donations range from a single dollar to tens of thousands. Last year’s broadcast raised more than $7 million for Chabad, supporting the largest network of educational and nonsectarian social services under Jewish auspices on the West Coast. Countless people of all backgrounds and beliefs benefit from these community services — whether it’s a child who needs an education, a senior citizen who needs a friend, or an addict who needs a second chance.

Funds generated by the Telethon support a range of Chabad’s efforts, which include: Education, Summer Camps, Youth Programs, the Friendship Circle, Campus Outreach, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, AskMoses.com, Senior Programs, and Humanitarian Services.

Over the last 28 years, the Telethon has helped Chabad forge a unique partnership with actors, musicians, athletes, civic leaders and corporate executives. Featuring star-studded lineups and the endearing “dancing rabbis,” the Telethons are special events that have proven consistently popular with audiences.

Past participants include Bob Dylan, Martin Sheen, Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Sandler, Dennis Franz, Anthony Hopkins, Howie Mandel, Jimmy Kimmel, Matisyahu, Edward James Olmos, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bernie Mac, and Mike Piazza. The casts of numerous television shows, including ‘Friends’ and ‘Everyone Loves Raymond,’ have also made appearances.

The Telethon was created in 1980 in response to a devastating fire that destroyed Chabad’s West Coast headquarters in Westwood Village and claimed the lives of three young men. Carroll O’Connor served as the program’s first celebrity host, and together with co-host Jan Murray and Jeff and Jerry Cutler, he helped turn this tragedy into triumph. Overwhelming viewer support prompted Chabad to continue the Telethon, which has evolved into an annual fundraiser allowing Chabad to greatly expand its community services.