Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

Yesterday, The Disney/ABC Television Group announced that General Hospital, ABC Family, SOAPnet, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and The Disney Stores are joining the previously announced “Day of Giving” this coming Monday, November 5th!

In fact, several General Hospital stars have recorded PSA’s that will appear through Monday’s episode of GH, and throughout the ABC network programming block that day. “Day of Giving” is a fundraising efforts to help those impacted by  Hurricane Sandy and the Super Storm that caused havoc throughout the eastern seaboard and states, and affected so many lives.

Here is the official original press release for “Day of Giving” prior to GH being announced as part of the fundraising and awareness efforts:  “Following the announcement by Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company of a $2 Million donation for Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts, the Disney/ABC Television Group  announced that it will designate Monday, November 5, 2012 as a “Day of Giving” across network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late Night, encouraging the tens of millions of viewers engaged throughout the day to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.”

“In commenting on the wide-reaching response to the devastating storm, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group, said, “The effects of Hurricane Sandy have impacted millions of people across the entire North East, including many of our co-workers, friends and families. This unprecedented devastation demanded an unprecedented response, so our team came up with the ‘Day of Giving.’ This coordinated effort between network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late Night will reach tens of millions of viewers with a specific call to action…to do what Americans do best, and pull together in support of those who are suffering. I’m incredibly proud of the team and all of our programs for this amazing response.”

“Good Morning America will start the “Day of Giving” by dedicating the entire 8:00 a.m. hour to raising money for Sandy Relief efforts. ABC News anchors, reporters and employees will band together to encourage people to donate to the American Red Cross.   The torch will pass to  LIVE with Kelly and Michael, where the show will integrate “Day of Giving” messaging into their highly anticipated Halloween episode (which was moved due to the impact of the storm). The ladies of  The View will discuss the “Day of Giving” and encourage their audience to donate to the American Red Cross relief efforts, and The Chew will do the same.  Katie, which designated the entire hour on Wednesday, October 31 to Hurricane Sandy, will take up the mantle of the “Day of Giving” and engage her viewers in these relief efforts as well.”

“The ABC Owned Stations and local ABC affiliates will integrate “Day of Giving” messaging into their local news throughout the day, calling on their local communities to help those impacted by the storm.  World News with Diane Sawyer will participate with messaging around “Day of Giving” and the continuing impact of the storm.  Dancing With The Stars is planning to personalize sections of the live show Monday night with “Day of Giving” messaging.”

“Nightline will devote time to the “Day of Giving” and the impact of Hurricane Sandy, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, which has been airing from Brooklyn all this week and encouraging viewers to give to the Red Cross to help rebuild that impacted areas, will end the “Day of Giving” on Monday with special messaging and calls to action for his viewers.  ESPN will be running public service announcements to engage their viewers in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts throughout its programming, including coverage of The New York City Marathon and Monday Night Football.”

So soapers, what do you think of the concept of “Day of Giving”?  Will you take part? Happy that GH was asked to participate?   Let us know!