Cable networks and related groups are doing their part to assist victims of the recent floods in and around Nashville, Tenn.
Torrential downpours that hit the area during the May 1st weekend have caused a number of casualties, injuries, and many millions of dollars worth of damage.
Music City Keep on Playin': A Benefit for Flood Relief, a three-hour telethon aired by Scripps Networks-owned GAC Sunday night, has raised more than $1.7 million and counting for the flood victims. The event at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium was hosted by James Denton (Desperate Housewives) and Kimberly Williams-Paisley and included guest appearances by Food Network's Pat and Gina Neely, HGTV's Vern Yip, Travel Channel's Samantha Brown and Adam Richman and a host of GAC personalities, all supported by dozens of GAC and Scripps Networks volunteers.
Scripps Networks Interactive presented a check for $100,000 in support of the relief effort. Comcast donated $50,000. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will organize, process and distribute donations.
MTV Networks' CMT network's CMT One Country effort volunteer assistance effort continues its commitment to supporting the community at the 2010 CMT Music Awards by making donations on winners' behalf to the charity of their choice for the third year in a row. In addition to honoring winners' charities, CMT One Country is partnering with show sponsor Rhapsody to make donations on behalf of all nominees.
Until Wednesday, June 16, proceeds from the purchase of any 2010 CMT Music Awards-nominated song from Rhapsody.com will go to CMT One Country to support Tennessee flood relief. The CMT Music Awards show premieres Wednesday, June 9, at 8 p.m., on CMT and CMT.com. Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band are among the headliners at the event at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, along with host Kid Rock.
Since starting this initiative in 2008, CMT One Country has donated nearly $100,000 on behalf of winners to their selected charities.
The Inspiration Networks and humanitarian partner Convoy of Hope announced that tractor-trailers filled with food, drinking water, and other supplies have been delivered to the local community in Nashville to aid flood victims.
The organizations also said four mobile sites have been established in the area. From these sites, teams will take food, water, and supplies door-to-door in communities in and around Nashville that were impacted by the flood.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nashville," Bill Airy, EVP of Worldwide Sales & Distribution for The Inspiration Networks, said in a statement. "We will continue to work with Convoy of Hope and other partners on the ground in the weeks and months ahead to support the local community, and do all that we can to restore a sense of normalcy to the people of this great city."
Immediately following the floods, assessment teams from Convoy of Hope dispatched to Tennessee to discern how the organization could most effectively help victims of the flood. Initial efforts have been focused on the communities of Goodlettsville, Madison, and Bellevue.
"This disaster warrants immediate response and support," Kary Kingsland, VP of disaster response for Convoy of Hope, said. "We are working with several organizations, churches and government agencies to ensure that our food and supplies reach those who need it most."
To make donations to the Nashville relief efforts or for volunteer information, visit this Convoy of Hope site. All donations will help meet the immediate needs of flood victims and will continue to meet humanitarian needs as they arise in the coming months.
The Media Financial Management Association reaffirmed its commitment to hold its Media Finance Focus 2010 educational conference in Nashville as scheduled on May 23-25. MFMA and subsidiary BCCA will raise funds for flood relief efforts as a means for showing the support of its members for a community that plays a pivotal role in the health of the of the media and entertainment industry.
The association has teamed up with Hands on Nashville, which is playing a leading role in organizing volunteers to provide support for Nashvillians who have been displaced by the flood. Conference attendees will receive an update on the status of flood relief efforts during their opening general session and HON volunteers will be available on Sunday evening to accept donations. Attendees will also be given information about how to donate online.
The MFM/BCCA conference, the first annual educational event since the combination of MFM and members from INFE, the Interactive Newsmedia Financial Executives, under MFM's leadership, will be held May 23-25 at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville.
