Celebrities in the United States have joined forces to raise money to help fund relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Six major television networks and several cable stations simultaneously televised a benefit concert Friday to viewers in nearly 100 countries.
The "Shelter From the Storm" telethon included performances by Mariah Carey, Paul Simon, the Foo Fighters, U2 and Mary J. Blige. Comedians Chris Rock and Ellen DeGeneres also appealed for donations for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
A separate telethon Friday, on the Black Entertainment Network (BET) featured appearances from top hip hop artists, including several personally affected by the disaster. High profile figures such as music moguls/artists Jay-Z, Diddy and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger made donations.
In addition to BET's "S.O.S. (Saving Ourselves) telethon the network is also selling memorabilia and personal items from celebrities in an online charity auction.
BET officials put early donations at more than $10 million. The amount raised on the multi-network, "Shelter" telethon was not immediately available.
