The Weather Channel to Give More Than $1 Million for Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

The Weather Channel to Give More Than $1 Million for Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

ATLANTA, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weather Channel Companies pledged today that it would make a $1 million cash contribution to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Relief efforts. The Weather Channel is asking other companies within its industry to match, and if possible, exceed that donation in order to provide for the urgent needs of those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to the corporate contribution, Debora Wilson, president of The Weather Channel Companies, has noted that the network will also match, dollar for dollar, all contributions made by its own 800 employees.

"Our biggest concern during these types of weather situations is how to best warn and prepare people; this is always foremost on our minds," said Wilson. "We know that millions count on us to provide them with the information they need to understand and cope with the effect of a storm such as Katrina.

"Now, in the aftermath as we see the images of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, our hearts go out to those in the area who have withstood terrifying conditions as the hurricane made landfall, and then left unbelievable damage in its wake," continued Wilson. "We want to be among the first to offer what financial assistance we can, and we urge others to join with us in helping The American Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations."

"The Red Cross is now sheltering, feeding and comforting thousands in the Gulf Coast areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina," said Marsha J. Evans, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "None of this would be possible without generous donors like The Weather Channel."

The Weather Channel is developing promotional spots for broadcast to further the cause of the American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW emergency efforts. Weather.com, the Web site of The Weather Channel, has added links on its homepage to the American Red Cross and to a collection of regularly updated links and information gathered about areas hard hit by Hurricane Katrina. Also, in response to an overwhelming number of posts to the "Desperately Seeking" section of The Weather Channel Blog, weather.com has added a message board for people looking to share and request information on family, friends, and neighborhoods impacted by the hurricane.

For more information, please contact Kathy Lane, 770-226-2102, klane@weather.com

Source: The Weather Channel

CONTACT: Kathy Lane of The Weather Channel, +1-770-226-2102, or klane@weather.com

Web site: http://www.weather.com/

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