2003 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
    Springfield, Massachusetts

The Springfield Massachusetts ABC television affiliate, WGGB channel 40, broadcast the 2003 Jerry Lewis Telethon locally over Labor Day Weekend.  Laura Beth Jacquin had a big role in this year's telethon as she was named the MDA Goodwill Ambassador for Western Massachusetts.  She had already been doing fundraisers though out the summer for the MDA, and the result of her efforts was in many cases videotaped for the telethon. 

Laura Beth and another young man with MD, Danny Schlosser, acted as "co-hosts" with the local News40 celebrity, Dave Madsen, and this resulted in Laura Beth being on TV about 25 times over the weekend.  A special custom-made red evening gown was made for her (the dress designer is a fantastic lady) and she looked just beautiful.  A couple of Laura Beth's close friends came to support her (and answer phones for pledges) and some of Patti and John's good friends came too.

Laura Beth wasn't nervous at all! (Patti and John were). She did many live interviews, and her "Story" was updated by Dave Madsen and run several times.  She also got to help accept checks from several local Fire Departments as they brought in their "fill the boot" donations. Laura Beth really likes the firefighters - they treat her great!  Overall the local area results set a new record - as did National (of course!), and the event was very successful.  Laura Beth had a great time, and especially enjoyed hearing from friends that called in with a pledge and passed on a special message for her during the telethon.