'Teleton USA' 2012 Goal Surpassed: Univision's First Annual Telethon Raises $8 Million

Univision's "Teleton USA" raised more than $8 million dollars over the weekend to support children with disabilities, cancer and autism in the United States.

The "Teleton USA" hosts announced at 2 am Sunday that $8,150,625 were raised in 28 hours, surpassing the $7 million goal set for the first annual telethon.

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"I want to thank God, our maker, and to all these children. I want tell the donors with all my heart, thank you very much and to all the children who will have their CRIT very soon," said Teleton USA president Fernando Landeros, after the final figure was revealed.

Univision hopes to use the funds to build a new rehabilitation center in the United States also known as CRIT in Spanish.

The first annual telethon was hosted by "Sabado Gigante" host Don Francisco, Jorge Ramos, Lucero, Galilea Montijo and Raul Gonzalez.

The show featured more than 100 Latino artists including Gloria Estefan, Paulina Rubio, Miguel Bose, Jesse & Joy and 3Ball MTY.

Among the performers were also Yuri,Chayanne, Daniela Romo, Larry Hernández, Los Temerarios, Graciela Beltrán, Rogelio Martínez, Mariana Seoane, Paz de la Sierra, Cañaveral, Alex, Syntek, Beto Cuevas, Palomo, Calibre 50, María José, Mijares, Frankie J, Los Vázquez Sound and Reik.

The show was broadcast from Mexico and various cities in the U.S. such as Houston, San Antonio, Chicago, New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

The show was also broadcast online through Univision's website and one of the highlights of the night included the network honoring the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School killings last Friday where 20 six graders and six adults died.