EXTON, Pa. – The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association have combined their efforts to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina with the Cable Hope Fund.
“Among those who are experiencing the brutal effects of Katrina’s aftermath in the U.S. Gulf Coast region are many SCTE members, their families and friends. Our hearts and prayers go out to them in their time of crisis,” says the SCTE press release.
Indeed, U.S. trade pub Multichannel News reported earlier this week that Cox Communications has only been able to track down 60% of its employees in New Orleans.
Established today, the charitable fund will help cable industry employees and other hurricane victims recover from the effects of the storm and will aid the long-term rebuilding of storm-ravaged areas.
Co-chairs of the Cable Hope Fund will invite companies that have made contributions to the Annual Dinner of the Walter Kaitz Foundation – the cable industry’s diversity organization – to match those contributions with donations to the new fund. During the upcoming Kaitz Dinner, to be held on September 14 in New York City, a few moments will be taken to focus on cable industry efforts to provide resources to hurricane relief.
In addition, within several days a web page will be set up to accept contributions to the Cable Hope Fund via credit card transactions. Beginning immediately, however, checks can be made payable to “Cable Hope Fund,” and sent to NCTA, care of David Pierce, Senior Director, Public Affairs, NCTA, at 1724 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036.
Contributors should note that the Cable Hope Fund has been incorporated today as a non-profit corporation and it will be filing with the Internal Revenue Service to assure its status as a 501(c) (3) entity and the tax deductibility of contributions it receives.
Donations to the Cable Hope Fund will be accepted immediately and in the coming weeks from cable industry companies, employees, and others related to the industry. Click on the links at the bottom of this story to find ways to donate.
Funding will be directed at a variety of needs which may include housing, education, long-term rebuilding initiatives, and other essential services for hurricane victims and their families.
“In speaking with members and industry partners and recognizing a need for ongoing information, we are also providing a list of additional reputable organizations to which you can make relief effort contributions,” adds the release.
The co-chairs of the fund are:
Glenn Britt, chairman and CEO, Time Warner Cable
Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO, MTV Networks
Abbe Raven, president and CEO, A&E Television Networks
Jim Robbins, president and CEO, Cox Communications
Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation
Henry Schleiff, chairman and CEO, Court TV
Michael Willner, president and CEO, Insight Communications
