fundraising event in the United States has flopped.

But the Strollers are still hoping for some last minute backing to help them get to the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon this weekend.

Manager Mr. Charles Spanswick admitted he was disappointed by the response to his appeal to raise $6,000 to pay for the band's air transportation.

"We have not received a penny and we have only had one company interested in backing this trip, which will be a major boost for Bermuda,'' he said.

"The telethon will be seen by millions of viewers in the New England area and many more across the United States.

"The Strollers will be the main band on the telethon in three separate locations over the weekend -- Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.'' Mr. Spanswick approached the Tourism Department for assistance but was told there were no funds available.

He said he was "amazed'' that nobody had come forward to support the Strollers' involvement in an event appearing on cable channels 2, 8 and 30 on the North East coast.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan had given his backing to the band's venture in a letter which was shown to potential sponsors.

"For more than two decades the Bermuda Strollers have been one of the Island's most popular musical groups,'' he wrote.

"That popularity has extended beyond our shores to other countries where the Strollers' infectious rhythms and slick showmanship have endeared them to audiences.

"As ambassadors for Bermuda, the Strollers have made regular visits to college and university campuses in various parts of the United States to promote College Weeks in Bermuda.

"It would be an understatement to say that the Strollers have been successful in this regard.'' The Premier said that the Strollers' music had helped to draw thousands of visitors to the Island.

"This year the Bermuda Strollers reach yet another plateau in their career by appearing on the annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon over the Labour Day holiday weekend,'' he added.

"Not only will the Strollers be helping Jerry Lewis to raise much-needed funds for this very worthy cause, but they will also be able to share their music with millions of viewers in the United States and in other countries.'' Mr. Spanswick said he still hoped to get a number of people interested in sponsorship in the final days before flying out.

"This is the perfect opportunity for people to get a great deal of publicity in the United States,'' he said.