Uptown Cares Telethon Raises $166, 960 for Hurricane Sandy Victims

With many New Yorkers, particularly residents on Staten Island, continuing to struggle with Hurricane Sandy’s impact, Northern Manhattan residents and leaders came together to pitch in, raising $166, 960 in an “Uptown Cares” telethon fundraiser.

Organized by the offices of State Senator Adriano Espaillat and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, the “Uptown Cares” telethon was co-sponsored by CUNY in the Heights and the Hispanic Federation, the largest Latino non-profit organization in New York State.

The event – telecast on three Spanish-language cable channels and two popular Radio stations – featured entertainers and local leaders who appealed for immediate help for victims of Sandy. Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz, Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, internationally renowned singer and composer Anthony “Romeo” Santos, and New York Yankees slugger Robinson Cano took part in the event. Santos and Cano donated $30,000 and $25,000 to the relief fund, respectively.

But the real stars of the event were every day Uptown residents who powered the telethon with small contributions. Donations continue to roll in online at www.HispanicFederation.org.

“Northern Manhattan residents understand that while we were fortunate to avoid major damage from Hurricane Sandy, we must step up and help fellow New Yorkers who were devastated by this unprecedented disaster,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “The ‘Uptown Cares’ telethon is an example of our commitment to the city we love and our contribution to Hurricane Sandy victims on Staten Island and other hard hit communities.”

“The unfortunate damage brought on by the storm has left many of our city’s residents without basic resources, shelter and even their homes,” said NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “While our district did not see much damage, as New Yorkers we have a responsibility to assist in any ways that we can to see our city through rough times. In providing help to our unfortunate neighbors, we are showing that the New York spirit is alive and well and we will bounce back from this disaster stronger than ever.”

The event co-sponsored by La Mega Radio Station; Super Canal Caribe; Manhattan Times; the Dominican Consulate of New York; Local Leaders and Elected Officials, including State Senator Adriano Espaillat, Congressman Charles Rangel; Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell; Assemblyman Guillermo Linares; Assemblywoman-Elect Gabriela Rosa, and District Leader Mark Levine. Additional supporters included: Yeshiva University; Indian Road Café; Casa de Mofongo; Hudson Heights Owners Coalition (HHOC); Community Board 12; and Community Education Council 6, as well as Francisco Spies, Felix Jerez, Zenaida Mendez, Dulce Mateo, Felix Cabrera, Maria Morillo, Elias Barreras Corporan, Nazario Brea, Jose Cruz, Mike Fitelston, Freddy Arias, Candelario De La Cruz, and other leaders.