Northern Manhattan, the highest point of the island, largely escaped the kind of devastation Hurricane Sandy caused elsewhere in the five boroughs, however residents and politicians from the area are pitching in with a storm relief telethon this afternoon that will be broadcast on La Mega radio station and at least three Spanish-language cable television outlets. The telethon includes planned appearances by the New York Yankees’ star second baseman Robinson Cano, several of the likely 2013 mayoral candidates and a slew of area politicos.
“Although Upper Manhattan has been spared by the storm, we recognize our responsibility to help fellow New Yorkers,” State Senator Adriano Espaillat, who organized the event, said in a statement. “The Uptown Cares Telethon will directly help raise funds for victims on Staten Island and around the City.”
Proceeds from the telethon, which is airing from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, will got to hurricane relief efforts in Staten Island and other parts of the city that were hard-hit by the storm. The donations will be administered by the not-for-profit Hispanic Federation Inc.
In addition to Mr. Espaillat, Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, Assemblymen Herman “Denny” Farrell and Guillermo Linares, Assemblywoman-elect Gabriela Rosa and Democratic District Leader Mark Levine. The event is bringing together a group of politicians that found themselves at odds after the hard-fought congressional primary between Mr. Espaillat and Mr. Rangel last June.
To dial in to the telethon call 1-800-776-4096.
