Jerry Lewis has been hosting the MDA Labor Day Telethon for over 40 years and this year’s edition set a new record, raising nearly $64 million Monday.

The 81-year-old comedian has been supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association for more than half his life now. The Association’s 42nd Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon set a record of $63,759,478 in contributions and pledges this Monday, $3 million more than last year’s.

The money will be used to fund research, services, and information for people with any of the neuromuscular diseases under MDA’s umbrella, according to a message on the association’s official web site.

The televised event lasted two and a half hours and took place at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. Beginning Sunday night, it was broadcast nationwide and in Canada on 190 stations in MDA’s “Love Network.”

“I'm deeply grateful for the incredible generosity and support of the American public,” Jerry Lewis said. “Each year they outdo themselves in supporting our quest for cures for diseases that steal the strength - and the lives - of 'my kids.'”

The aged actor, who helped establish the MDA in the early 1950s, is the association’s National Chairman. He has been the star of the Labor Day Telethon since 1966. He initially hosted the event with singer and comedic partner Dean Martin and then continued solo.

Veteran television personality Ed McMahon appeared for the 40th time on the telethon, as its anchor, while Jann Carl of the television entertainment news show “Entertainment Tonight”; Tom Bergeron, host of “Dancing with the Stars” and “America's Funniest Home Videos”; and comedians Norm Crosby and Bob Zany assisted Lewis as co-hosts.

This year’s edition benefited from Alison Sweeney’s presence, as the “Days of Our Lives” star and host of “The Biggest Loser,” made her debut as a Telethon co-host.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, MDA’s largest national sponsor, chipped in as usual, presenting checks worth $25 million – the year’s fund-raising results.

While last year’s Telethon raised $61 million, Jerry Lewis, obviously delighted with Monday’s success, said, “We did it. We did it. I got my buck more. And more. We can go shopping.”