MILWAUKEE -- WISN-TV (Channel 12) and the American Red Cross are teaming up for a daylong fund-raising effort on Thursday, Sept. 1, to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina. Beginning at 5 a.m. on WISN "12 News This Morning," the station will open a LIVE Hurricane Relief Hotline staffed by members of the American Red Cross. The relief effort will continue throughout the day on Channel 12 and conclude following WISN’s late news.

The Hurricane Relief Hotline (414-799-WISN) will provide southeast Wisconsin with an immediate opportunity to pledge cash donations that will directly benefit Gulf Coast families. "We live in a caring, generous community," said Frank Biancuzzo, WISN-TV president and general manager. "We’re all looking for the best way to lend support in the face of this devastating national disaster."

WISN-TV, the ABC station in Milwaukee, is owned by Hearst-Argyle Television. Hearst-Argyle owns 25 television stations, and manages an additional three television and two radio stations, in geographically diverse U.S. markets.