The Walt Disney Company deserves a nod for the $1M pledge to the American Red Cross to aid in the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. However, the company knows that their real influence is in their distinct ability to quickly reach a broad audience. That’s why they held a Day of Giving on Thursday, August 31. This special day of broadcasting spanned across the company's owned platforms of ABC, Freeform, and Radio Disney. The company also spread their call to donate through their social media platforms using the hashtag #DayofGiving.
Company’s celebrity connections bring in the bucks
The Day of Giving included a telethon on “Good Morning America” where celebrities like Alex Rodriguez, Kevin Jonas, Ashanti, and Tony Danza answered phone calls to take donations to the American Red Cross. Celebrities that couldn’t be there to receive calls yet who still wanted to support the cause like Reba McEntire, Matthew McConaughey and Viola Davis sent in videos expressing messages of hope and solidarity. They also touched base with Olympic star Simone Biles, who was home in Houston when Hurricane Harvey hit and has been volunteering at a nearby shelter since. Jason Derulo performed live on Good Morning America to wrap up the day. Calls came in from all over the country, and they were able to generate $14,265,490.
100 percent of the proceeds raised on the Day of Giving will go to the American Red Cross to aid in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
"Day of Giving" continues
The Day of Giving has ended, but the Walt Disney Company continues to give. They will match eligible employee donations to the American Red Cross and other qualified organizations through the program Disney Employee Matching Gifts.
When speaking about Hurricane Harvey, Chairman and CEO of the company, Robert A. Iger, had this to say, “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”
You can still help
There has been a lot of controversy about whether or not the American Red Cross is the right place to donate, but if you feel like that’s the right place for your money to go to best help those dealing with Hurricane Harvey, here are a few ways to donate:
Online: Official Red Cross website
By Phone: 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669)
Español: 1-800-435-7669
TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095
By Mail:
American Red CrossPO Box 37839Boone, IA 50037-0839
If you still want to help, but you have reservations about the American Red Cross, there are lots of other ways to give! Check out one of my favorite ways in this Blasting News article about Undies for Everyone.
