Disney, Viacom Pledge Storm-Relief Funds

Disney to donate $2 million; Viacom ponies up $1 million

By Todd Spangler, Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/1/2012 3:10:19 PM

The Walt Disney Co. and Viacom said they committed funds for relief and rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, of $2 million and $1 million respectively.

Disney will donate $1 million will be donated to the American Red Cross for immediate, critical assistance, and another $1 million will be designated for organizations working on rebuilding efforts. In addition, Disney employee eligible donations to organizations involved in disaster relief will be matched, dollar for dollar, by The Walt Disney Co. Foundation.

"It's hard to fathom the devastation from this storm," Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. "Thousands of people in the hurricane's path lost everything and face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together. We hope this helps provide immediate aid needed to get through this disaster and begin the road to recovery."

In addition to financial assistance, Disney-ABC Television Group and ESPN will run public service announcements on ABC, ABC.com, ABCNews.com, Radio Disney and ESPN's family of networks encouraging viewers to support relief and rebuilding efforts, the company said.

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