(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
On Sept. 3 The Inspiration Networks pre-empted regular programming across three of its cable networks to broadcast A Concert of Hope, a live television event to generate critically needed relief supplies and hope for victims of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The concert raised over $134,000.
"These funds will enable us to send an additional 22 truckloads with over 873,000 pounds of urgently needed supplies to the impacted areas," said David Cerullo, president and CEO of The Inspiration Networks.
The Inspiration Networks and Convoy of Hope have been on the scene in the impacted areas since August 28. To date, more than 180 truckloads of ice, water and food have been delivered by The Inspiration Networks and Convoy of Hope with a total of more than 6 million pounds of life-sustaining relief supplies.
The three-hour Concert of Hope telethon was broadcast across INSP, i- Lifetv and Inspiration Network International to 80 Million households in 38 different nations. The program was hosted by David and Barbara Cerullo and featured Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope, who provided gripping, first-hand accounts of the human needs and hurricane damage as well as inspirational stories of ongoing relief efforts. Featured guests included many Christian leaders and musical performances by Avalon, Mark Schultz, The Crabb Family and others.
"We are grateful for the way people have responded to this outcry for help, but the needs still are great," David Cerullo concluded. "We are committed to be there for these hurting people. Contributions still are needed for the ongoing relief efforts."
Cerjllosaid that one-hour versions of the Concert of Hope program are being made available to cable systems and television stations, "Everyone needs to do whatever they can at a time like this."
Donations are being received at www.insptoday.com and Box 7750, Charlotte, NC 28241. Proceeds will be designated towards Convoy of Hope, the humanitarian outreach of the ministry, which established distribution points in affected areas within hours of the disaster. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
