Univision interrupted its regularly scheduled programming on Dec. 4 for a 30-hour stretch. It was all in the name of charity, and it was all led by now-retired Hispanic TV icon Don Francisco, aka Mario Kreutzberger.
The fourth annual TeletónUSA broadcast — Hispanic TV's equivalent of the long-running but concluded Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon — brought in $15,705,865 from donors who pitched in to help disabled children throughout the live televised event from the ACE Theater in Los Angeles.
Live drop-ins were featured from Univision affiliates in Chicago, Miami, New York and San Antonio, Texas.
“The fourth annual TeletónUSA is a vivid example of the generosity and the power of the Hispanic community in the U.S.,” Fundación Teletón president Fernando Landeros said. “A heartfelt ‘gracias’ to all our brothers and sisters who supported us.”
Univision president of programming and content Alberto Ciurana also thanked contributors and participating celebrities.
Under the theme Momento de Actuar (Moment to Act), a cavalcade of Latin music stars appeared across TeletónUSA's 30 hours, including J Balvin, Luis Fonsi, Leslie Grace, Ricky Martin, Natalia Jimenez, Laura Pausini, Espinoza Paz, Prince Royce, Alejandro Sanz, Roberto Tapia, Wisin and Yuri.
