Hurricane Sandy has absolutely devastated the East Coast in what many are calling one of the worst storms of our time. Now, celebrities – many of whom call New York home – are battling back and inspiring others to do the same.
On a recent episode of “Chelsea Lately,” actor John C. Reilly began talking about the difficulties of Sandy. “Yeah, some insane weather went through,” said the Oscar-nominated “Wreck-It-Ralph” star. “People are gonna be dealing with it for a long time.” The actor encouraged fans to text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 and help with East Coast relief – and then show host Chelsea Handler announced that she was donating $100,000 to relief efforts.
Meanwhile, NBC and all its networks are bringing a huge array of celebs together for a one-hour telethon tonight to benefit the victims. Entitled “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together,” the show will air at 8/7 central live from Rockefeller Center and hosted by Matt “When Does He Sleep?” Lauer. Alongside NBC personalities Brian Williams and Jimmy Fallon, artists including Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Billy Joel are all slated to perform.
Not to be outdone, rival network ABC has announced that Monday will a “Day of Giving,” with shows ranging from “Good Morning America” to “Dancing With the Stars” airing Sandy-related content that will encourage people to donate to relief efforts. While their plan is still developing, it is known that the 8 a.m. hour of “GMA” will be dedicated to raising money, “Live with Kelly and Michael,” “The View” and “The Chew” will include Sandy-related efforts in their show, as will Katie Couric’s daytime talk show. The festivities will conclude with “Nightline” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” also encouraging viewers to donate to the Red Cross. In addition, ABC is donating $2 million itself.
“The effects of Hurricane Sandy have impacted millions of people across the entire North East, including many of our co-workers, friends and families. This unprecedented devastation demanded an unprecedented response, so our team came up with the ‘Day of Giving,” said Anne Sweeney, the President of Disney-ABC Television Group, in a statement. “This coordinated effort between network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late-Night will reach tens of millions of viewers with a specific call to action…to do what Americans do best, and pull together in support of those who are suffering. I’m incredibly proud of the team and all of our programs for this amazing response.”
In the sports world, the NFL has promised $1 million to the Red Cross, while the New York Yankees have donated $500,000.