After watching Comic Relief 2006, I realized I vaguely remembered another weather mission from years before. In 1992, Comic relief benefited Hurricane Andrew victims. During that time, over $2 million dollars was raised to help hurricane Andrew victims. According to a quote from the Comic Relief website, founder Bob Zmuda stated, "Disasters like Katrina devastate the environment and cause suffering for all forms of life, both human and animal. Comic Relief is determined to address these tragedies by benefiting everyone from the elderly to children, and pets." The goal for this year is to far increase donation levels from that of the hurricane Andrew benefits.
Background Primers on Hurricane Katrina
- The Saddest Stories From Hurricane Katrina Ever Told
- When Did Students Go Back to School After Katrina?
- Top 10 Free Videos on Hurricane Birth and Movement
- 10 Signs You and Your Child May Still be Under Stress From Katrina
- The Computer Hurricane Damage Simulation
- What Do the Sahara Desert and Hurricane Katrina Have in Common?
- Don’t Forget Rita – Get Real Satellite Photos for Total Understanding
- The Tropical Cyclone Tracker: Learn Why Katrina and Rita Were So Damaging
The Comic Relief Show
This year, the show aired live from Caesar’s Palace Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 18th on HBO and TBS. With the possibility of video and DVD releases of Comic Relief, proceeds are expected to be much higher. With the original hosting trio of Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg, the show was indeed funny. In addition, to show the commitment to New Orleans, Harrah’s Fulton Street held a free 3 hour concert for residents.
Hurricane Katrina Facts
Hurricane Katrina was THE worst natural disaster in US history. After bombarding the Gulf Coast on August 29th, 2005, many lost their lives, their homes, and their businesses. Here are some of the details…- 83% of schools were damaged.
- 33% of the debris still needs picked up.
- 50% of home have not had electric power restored.
- 60% of small businesses were destroyed.
- 75% of New Orleans cultural institutions remain closed.
- 90% of all musicians are no longer working in the city.
- 300% is the estimated level of increase in suicides in New Orleans.
- 50% of hospitals are not open.
- 89% of all mental health professionals have left New Orleans.
The Talent
Appearances were made by:- Lewis Black
- Dane Cook
- Deb Wilson
- DL Hughley
- Doug Savant
- Fred Willard
- George Lopez
- Harry Shearer
- Howie Mandel
- James Denton
- Jeff Tambor
- Jennifer Coolidge
- Adrian Grenier
- Jeremy Piven
- Jerry Ferrara
- Kevin Connolly
- Kevin Dillon
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Jon Stewart
- James Pickens Jr.
- Catherine Ohara
- Louis CK
- Mike Epps
- Ray Romano
- Rebecca Romijn
- Ricardo Chavira
- Rita Rudner
- Roseanne Barr
- Sarah Silverman
- Stephen Colbert
- Steve Schirripa
- Susie Essman
- Bonerama
How to Donate to Comic Relief
You can donate on the web or by phone at 1-800-528-1000. You can also probably pick up the DVD highlights some time soon. Parents are cautioned, however, that the language and comdic situations may NOT be appropriate for children.Rewards for donating include T-shirts, sweatshirts, and 20th anniversary DVDs. (But just donating can give you the sense of "doing the right thing". Wouldn't you agree?