KTLA has announced that its “Spirit of Thanksgiving Telethon” on Thanksgiving morning, raised $197,173 in support of those affected by the wildfires in Southern California.
On November 22, KTLA 5, in partnership with iHeartRadio Los Angeles and The Salvation Army California South Division, KTLA hosted a live telethon in the KTLA 5 studio and on Facebook Live from 6am to 9am PT with an additional hour 9am-10am PT on Facebook Live. All donations raised go directly to The Salvation Army California South Division to help with the Southern California wild fire recovery effort.
“The Salvation Army California South Division is making a real difference here on the ground in Los Angeles, helping to provide basic necessities to those in need. KTLA5 and our partners at iHeartRadio Los Angeles are proud to do our small part to assist those impacted as they recover from this disaster,” said Don Corsini, KTLA5 President and General Manager.
As part of the “Spirit of Thanksgiving Telethon” fundraising effort, the Tribune Media Company Charitable Foundation donated $30,000 to The Salvation Army.
“KTLA has been a true partner during this terrible wildfire,” said Major Osei Stewart, General Secretary of The Salvation Army’ California South Division. “The donations KTLA made possible will assist fire survivors for months to come and we are deeply grateful to KTLA and its generous audience. You are true heroes of our community.”
KTLA’s “Spirit of Thanksgiving Telethon” featured holiday cooking segments with Chef Jamie Gwen as well as numerous special guests who manned the phones during the telethon including: LA Mayor Eric Garcetti; Lisa Foxx 104.3 MYfm, Jillian Escoto 104.3 MYfm, Julianne Miller ALT 987FM, Tanya Rad 102.7 KIIS FM, Harms ALT 987FM, Mark Wallengren KOST 103.5, Dave Styles 104.3 MYfm, Miss California USA 2018, Miss California Teen USA 2018, Neurosurgeon Dr Rahul Jandial, RN and Nurse Clinical Specialist Alice Benjamin, Attorney and Las Vegas Strong Survivor Brian Claypool, Attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez, Los Angeles Charger Girls, Major Osei Stewart – General Secretary of The Salvation Army California South Division, Captain Ashely Koebel – Secretary for Program The Salvation Army California South Division as well as first responders and search and rescue teams from across the county; KTLA Entertainment Reporter Doug Kolk, KTLA Sales Manager Troy Arce Ganier.
Donations, which can still be made via phone, via text: FIRES to 515151 or online: KTLA.com/Fires will go directly to the Salvation Army California South Division.