Channel 7 employees manned a bank of 30 phones taking pledges from viewers during a 3 hour telethon that aired throughout the regularly scheduled evening newscasts and preempted programming from 7:30-8:00 p.m. on WXYZ-TV.

"The response was overwhelming," said WXYZ-TV Vice-President and General Manager Bob Sliva. "The phones were still ringing and our staffers were still taking pledges hours after we actually concluded our telethon broadcast. It's just a reflection of the amazing generosity of the people of Metro Detroit who are always willing to reach out and help those in need."

The funds raised during the "Help for Haiti" telethon will be used to support the work of The American Red Cross to supply food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.