KABC Raises $445,000 For Tornado Relief

In the wake of one of the most devastating and costly tornadoes in U.S. history, ABC O&O KABC Los Angeles (DMA 2) partnered with the Orange County and Los Angeles Chapters of the American Red Cross to bring relief to victims in the Midwest, raising $445,000.

On Wednesday, May 22, KABC was on-site at both the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and the Honda Center in Anaheim, from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., along with Red Cross volunteers to collect donations. The one-day Tornado Relief Drive collected more than $410,000, and the mail-in donations generated an additional $35,000. As of May 28, the total collected by KABC was $445,000.

KABC weathercaster Garth Kemp, meteorologist Bri Winkler and traffic reporter Alysha Del Valle welcomed viewers as they arrived at the Rose Bowl from before dawn until dusk. While over at the Honda Center, consumer specialist Ric Romero and weathercaster Danny Romero greeted viewers during the drive with help from Eyewitness News Orange County Bureau Chief Eileen Frere.

“In these tough economic times, it’s more important than ever for us to give back,” said Arnold J. Kleiner, president-GM of KABC. “Time after time, we have seen the people of Southern California come together in a time of need, no matter where the need is, and we are grateful to them for their generosity.”