The Walt Disney Company and its owned ABC television station KTRK in Houston today jointly announced a $1 million cash commitment to the American Red Cross in support of recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.
In addition, on Thursday, August 31, Disney|ABC Television Group (DATG) will host a “Day of Giving” to benefit those impacted by the hurricane. Starting in the morning with ABC local affiliates and Good Morning America, and throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney and across all DATG social platforms, there will be a call-to-action to donate to the American Red Cross, with those dollars going to benefit those most impacted.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”
Plus, eligible Disney employee donations to the American Red Cross and other qualified organizations involved in the Hurricane Harvey relief effort will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.
UPDATE: Disney|ABC’s “Day of Giving” has expanded to include ESPN and A&E Networks. Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC, said, “With this ‘Day of Giving’ across all our networks and platforms, the men and women of DisneyIABC, ESPN and the A+E Networks are answering the call to stand up and support the communities hit hardest by Hurricane Harvey. In 2012, we rallied to support relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy, helping raise more than $18 million dollars. Now, we stand alongside the residents of Texas and the Gulf states who are battling the floods and devastation of Harvey.”
Also, the network-wide initiative now kicks off with a one-hour primetime special, “City Underwater: Catastrophe in Houston,” on Wednesday, August 30, at 10:00 p.m. EDT anchored by ABC News Chief anchor George Stephanopoulos.
