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A television tradition that is unmatched in Dayton broadcasting history continues today, Sept. 1 as the annual WKEF-TV, Channel 22 Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon celebrates 40 years of community service.

The local segments of the telethon are being broadcast live from the Ervin J. Nutter Center at Wright State University.

The fundraising television event was founded by the national host, comedian Jerry Lewis, 82, who leads a large number of celebrities appearing during national segments of the 21-hour television marathon.

The local hosts this year are television news anchors Mark Pompilio and Candice Hunter who work for both WKEF-TV, Channel 22 and WRGT-TV, Channel 45. The telethon is carried on Channel 22 from 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 through

6:30 p.m. today.

According to Jessica Hufford, district director of the MDA, the 2007 telethon in Dayton raised a final total of $652,135 in pledges. "Our goal for 2008 is to match that pledge and to go over it by at least one dollar," Hufford said.

She said the national Jerry Lewis telethon last year brought in $63.8 million.

Pompilio, who is returning as a host for the sixth time in Dayton, said he is hopeful the goal will be reached. "I know these are tough times economically for most families," Pompilio said. "But I also know that people in our Miami Valley are generous in nature, and care about their neighbors."

Pompilio, of Beavercreek, was a primary anchor at WLOS-TV in the Ashville, N.C., — Spartanburg, S.C. market where he hosted the local MD telethon for five years before coming to Dayton in 1999.

An avid cyclist Pompilio won first place in the media competition during the 4th annual Tour 'd Burg bicycle competitions in Miamisburg on July 20.

Each year there are a large number of pretelethon fundraising events around the area and many of those involved in fundraising will present checks during the weekend broadcast.

The first MDA telethon in Dayton in 1968 was hosted by the late Bernard "B.W." Wulkotte, a Dayton radio and television personality who also wrote an entertainment column carried in the Dayton Daily News.

That first program originated from the Channel 22 studios at 1731 Soldiers Home-West Carrollton Road. Over the years the local telethon made several moves, broadcasting from various sites including the Dayton Convention Center, the Victoria Theatre stage, and for many years from Hara Arena in Trotwood.

Previous local hosts include the late Johnny Walker who was a Channel 22 personality and later general manager of Hara Arena.

He emceed the event for 18 years. He was followed by Don Brown, former sports director at Channel 22, now a school teacher and weekend sports announcer for WHIO-TV, Channel 7. Brown hosted for 17 years.

I have been invited to return as a guest during the live telethon and if all goes as planned you should be able to see me between 2 and 3 p.m. today.

It has been my good fortune to appear on every single MDA telethon in Dayton over the past four decades. Considering I have had a rough year dealing with cancer, it will be special to return to this mission of love for the 40th time.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.