Jerry Lewis at the 2009 Academy Awards

Like the rest of the world, I watched the Academy Awards tonight for one reason... to gawk at Brad and Angelina, and to see what they were wearing. I was also curious to see how they reacted when Jennifer Aniston got on stage to present an award. Let's face it, watching the Academy Awards is our moment to escape, and to pretend that we are one of the rich and famous who have stylists and designers clamoring to get us to wear one of their fantastic creations.

So, why did I leave the show to write an article, before the last and most dramatic award was presented? Mainly, because I was so moved by the Humanitarian Award presentation to Jerry Lewis. The award was a representation of all that is good in our society.

I grew up watching the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Of course, Jerry Lewis was always the star. In my eyes, here was a grand movie star pleading with the American public to donate to "his kids." I was always on of those people who watched the telethon until the bitter end, donating at the last minute, and hoping against hope that he would surpass his donation total from the year before. In a nutshell, I loved the Labor Day telethon, and everything it represented.

Tonight at the Academy Awards, he was honored for his lifelong commitment to children suffering with muscular dystrophy. The entire Hollywood community saluted him for his efforts to end a threatening and dehumanizing disease.

It made me realize that the Academy Awards show isn't just about saluting the ultra-rich, ultra-chic Hollywood stars. It's about recognizing those in the Hollywood community who actually do make a difference. For me, Jerry Lewis is one of those individuals.

I was so happy to watch Jerry Lewis receive the recognition he so rightly deserves. I know that the next time I watch and support his Labor Day telethon, I will do so with a warm heart because I know that his peer community finally recognized his lifetime commitment.