Disney ABC Television Group's 'Day of Giving' Expands to Include ESPN and A&E Networks

Disney|ABC Television Group will air special programming in support of its "Day of Giving" initiative on Thursday, August 31, to benefit those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. It kicks off with an ABC News primetime special "City Underwater: Catastrophe in Houston" anchored live by Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos on Wednesday, August 30, at 10:00 p.m. EDT. Throughout the following day on ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, all ESPN platforms, A&E, History, Lifetime, ABC Radio, Radio Disney and across all network social platforms, there will be a call-to-action to donate to the American Red Cross, with those dollars targeted to benefit those most affected by this devastating storm.

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 Disney|ABC, 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."

Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday that TWDC and KTRK-TV Houston are committing $1 million to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts. In addition, 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.

As Harvey continues to unleash trillions of gallons of rain, destroy thousands of homes, and claim lives, the one-hour special led by Stephanopoulos shines a light on the ongoing relief effort and the incredible rescues and reunions taking place throughout the region. Chief National Correspondent Tom Llamas, who has been covering the storm from Houston since the weekend, reports from downtown Houston. ABC News Senior Meteorologist Rob Marciano and correspondents Eva Pilgrim, Matt Gutman and Steve Osunsami are stationed in flooded areas where rescue efforts led by authorities, the Cajun navy and Lone Star Samaritans are underway. ABC News follows THE JOURNEY of a mother, who gave birth during the storm, and her family as they return to find their home destroyed. Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee will join Stephanopoulos at ABC News headquarters with the most recent updates on where the storm will go next. The hour concludes with a salute to the tremendous reporting KTRK-TV Houston has been producing during this difficult time.

Disney|ABC Television Group's "Day of Giving" will launch the following morning, August 31, with a network-wide telethon to raise money for the American Red Cross and support their efforts to help the communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The fundraising begins in the early morning hours Thursday and will continue throughout the day on ABC's eight owned stations, including Houston's KTRK in the heart of the danger zone, as well as on more than 200 local affiliates.

At 7:00 a.m. EDT "Good Morning America" will report the latest developments in the aftermath and the storm's progression. At 8:00 a.m. EDT GMA will air a telethon encouraging viewers to donate to the American Red Cross. The GMA team and special guests will be taking calls live until noon EDT. The program will highlight the heroes who are stepping up to help their fellow neighbors during this catastrophe, from rescuing trapped residents to delivering much needed supplies, food and water.

DATG's 'Day of Giving' will continue throughout the day across all Disney|ABC Television Group programs and platforms, all ESPN platforms, A&E, History, Lifetime, ABC Radio, Radio Disney, local stations and all network social platforms.

Disney Channel will present American Red Cross interstitial messages in which actor Cameron Boyce talks to kids about the basics of an emergency preparedness kit.

Viewers can contribute in three ways:

TEXT: Text HARVEY to 90999 to give a $10 donation to the Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill or be deducted from your prepaid balance. Must be 18+ years or have parental permission. Message & Data Rates May Apply. See redcross.org/m for full terms & details.

ONLINE: Go to www.redcross.org/abc to make a donation of any amount.

BY PHONE: Call 1-855-999-GIVE. This number will bypass all the other menu options and direct your call to Hurricane Harvey relief.

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