Alabama’s United Way Tornado Relief Telethon which concluded Thursday morning raised nearly $700,000, according to Media General’s WVTM-TV Birmingham, which was the originating station. Nearly 200 radio and TV stations, websites and other media outlets across the US were applauded for supporting the effort.
The final official tally was $697,706 when the telethon ended Thursday at $9:35 am.
The United Way of Central Alabama is still accepting donations on its website. Or they may be mailed to United Way Tornado Disaster Fund, P.O. Box 320189, Birmingham, AL 35232.
“American Idol” star Bo Bice, an Alabama native, was among those stopping by the studio to promote the fundraising effort.
WVTM General Manager Gene Kirkconnell said donations were received not only from across the US, but also from such far-flung locations as Puerto Rico, Italy, Japan and Singapore.
