Tim McGraw-led NBC-TV Fundraiser Nets $30 Million

Neil Haislop reports: Tim McGraw reportedly began thinking of what he could do for his home state of Louisiana when he first heard reports that a category 5 hurricane was about to hit the Gulf Coast. That might explain how the NBC TV, special came together so quickly last week with so many big stars, including wife, Faith Hill, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harry Connick, Jr. and Wynton Marsalis.

Host, Matt Lauer invited viewers to contribute to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by phone or on the Web. Louisiana native Tim McGraw teared up as he told Lauer, “I know the citizens that weren’t affected by this directly are gonna stand up and do good things for people.”

He sang two songs, then became the first of the evening’s stars to sign a Gibson Les Paul Special guitar to be auditioned online. McGraw also reportedly lead the way for country radio to simulcast an event in just 48, that would’ve normally taken months to pull off.

Faith Hill, who appeared in the TV promo spots for the Hurricane relief concerts, sang “There Will Come a Time.”

FARM AID…TO AID KATRINA DEVASTATED FARMERS

Farm Aid today activated the Family Farm Disaster Fund to encourage donations so that farm families can get the help they need to recover from the hurricane and continue farming. "This is a moment when each of us can take stock of what we can offer to everyone affected by this catastrophe, and Farm Aid is in a position to act for farm families," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "Crop and livestock losses will be massive. Many farm buildings were destroyed in the storm and ensuing flooding. A disaster of this magnitude can be a breaking point for many Southern family farms."

Willie recorded a PSA, which can be downloaded as well. The PSA urges people to donate to the Family Farm Disaster Fund.

Individuals can contribute to Farm Aid’s disaster fund on-line at www.farmaid.org or by calling 1-800-FARM-AID. In addition to funds raised by people across the country, Farm Aid has sent an initial $30,000 to several of its partner family farm organizations in the southeast. The funds will allow the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and the Louisiana Interchurch Conference to immediately begin assessing needs in these states and providing emergency relief. The Farmers Legal Action Group will also step in with information they have developed on how farmers can access federal disaster programs.