Columbia, S.C. NBC affiliate WIS and Alpha Media Radio have raised $736,101 for Red Cross disaster relief efforts to help local flood victims.
The station raised the money by putting on a telethon Wednesday after historic rainfall caused widespread flooding in the area.
“As we woke up Sunday morning we began to realize the magnitude of the destruction that we were facing.” said Lyle Schulze, Vice President and General Manager of WIS-TV. “It’s numbing to look at the TV screen and see the homes of our friends and families destroyed. We knew we had to do something. WIS has been a part of the Midlands for over 60 years and it’s our responsibility to help our neighbors any way we can.”
The telethon was extended to a second day after overwhelming response from viewers.
“We are proud to be part of our communities, and I’m proud of how WIS-TV worked to help the people of South Carolina in this time of need,” said Paul McTear, president and CEO of Raycom Media.