CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A “Rebuild West Virginia” telethon aired Friday night to raise money for recovery in the wake of historic flooding.
The telethon, which was made available through the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, kicked off with Logan resident Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. singing his new single “Come Home to West Virginia.”
Two of the Mountain State’s most famous natives, country singer Brad Paisley and actress Jennifer Garner were part of the show.
“Like most Americans, I was so sorry to see the images of devastation left in the wake of last weekend’s historic flooding in beautiful West Virginia,” Garner said. “But I was also amazed to see the pictures and videos on social media and the news of West Virginian’s helping one another.”
WVU President Gordan Gee and Troy Clemons, WVU’s Mountaineer, made an appearence together.
“Thank you to the thousands of people who responded to the devastation caused by last week’s flooding in amazing ways,” Clemons said.
“West Virginians are remarkably resilient,” responded Gee. “It’s one of their greatest strengths and I have no doubt they’ll show resiliency again.”
WVVA-TV anchor Courtney Clark hosted the program, with some help from Princeton native and actor Kevin Sizemore.
All proceeds from the telethon wentdirectly to the American Red Cross in West Virginia to help victims and communities.
Flood relief efforts will continue Sunday night with a live concert at Charleston’s Haddad Riverfront Park, when Murphy Jr. will take the stage with Glen Leonard, former lead vocalist for The Temptations at 8 p.m.