WRAL-TV5's "Hurricane Floyd Community Relief" Raises $265,000 and Counting

Raleigh, NC --- As part of WRAL’s “Hurricane Floyd Community Relief,” many local companies gave generous contributions to the Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assist hurricane victims in North Carolina. The following companies appeared during WRAL's daylong hurricane relief programming and made special check presentations:

• Glaxo Wellcome: $50,000
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: matching employee contributions
• Capitol Broadcasting Company: $100,000
• IBM: $35,500
• SAS: matching employee contributions
• WakeMed Foundation: $15,000
• Carolina Hurricanes: $10,000
• Independent Insurance Agents of N.C.: $10,000

WRAL Online received more than $45,000 in donations from online visitors. Final totals on viewer donations are expected to be released by officials at the Salvation Army and the Red Cross within one to two weeks.

WRAL's daylong telecast began Tuesday morning at 6:00 and continued throughout the day, with updates on the hour, appeals during all newscasts, and four half-hour specials at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. WRAL’s sister station, MIX 101.5 FM simulcast the half-hour specials and solicited donations throughout the day.

"This relief effort exemplifies the community spirit we have in this state,” said Bill Peterson, WRAL Vice President and General Manager. "We applaud the companies who donated money and promise our continued help to the people of Eastern North Carolina. It’s our responsibility to be there when people need us most and now is certainly one of those times.”

As hurricane recovery and relief efforts continue, the need for monetary donations increases. Companies or individuals interested in making contributions should make checks payable to the Salvation Army or American Red Cross/NC Relief and mail to: