40/29 Raises More than $322,000 During Telethon

Source: The Hometown Channel.com 40/29 Your Hometown News and the American Red Cross would like to thank everyone that helped us raise more than $322,000 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Once again the people in this area have opened up to help victims of a major disaster," said general manager Jim Prestwood. "We want to thank everyone that helped out in this effort."

The telethon started Thursday at 5:30 a.m. during "40/29 Your Hometown News Sunrise" and the $100,000 mark was passed by early in the afternoon. The phones didn't stop ringing until after 11 p.m.

"We are thrilled with the response from our viewers. Our phones were ringing all day long with people eager to give," said news director Mike Courington.

"$322,000 translates into nearly 50 truckloads of food and water for our fellow Americans along the coast who have lost everything," said Jody Dilday, with the American Red Cross. "This is what happens when neighbors come together to help neighbors."

All of the money raised will be used by the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.