Countdown To The Telethon: Hollywood Hurricane Relief Efforts Start Up

Finally, some news about Hollywood's involvement with the hurricane that doesn't involve fretting about delays to Road House 2 or the the future of tax-friendly productions in New Orleans. Morgan Freeman, the closest thing to the Voice of God that the entertainment industry can muster, is helping to organize an auction for hurricane victims, and Disney's announced it's kicking in $2.5 million for disaster relief. (You can donate to the relief efforts directly via the Red Cross and FEMA websites.)

With these first charitable actions, the countdown clock to the inevitable NBC telethon officially begins.

UPDATE: Damn, that was fast. Color us impressed.

• Celebrity Auction Set for Hurricane Relief [AP]
• Victims of Disaster Need Your Help Now! [CharityFolks.com]
• The Walt Disney Company Commits $2.5 Million for Hurricane Katrina Relief and Rebuilding Efforts [Business Wire]