Tonight,  Monday, June 21 from 8-10 pm ET, CNN will air a telethon on Larry King Live to raise funds and awareness for the United Way Gulf Coast Recovery Fund and two other charities working to respond to the crisis. The program will repeat 12-2 a.m. Viewers will have the opportunity to give to three areas of need:

1. People, through United Way Gulf Recovery Fund,

2. Animals through National Wildlife Federation,

3. Environment through The Nature Conservancy.

United Way is helping families along the Gulf that are facing financial, educational and health-related challenges as a result of the oil spill. The United Way Gulf Recovery Fund will provide emergency assistance, such as help with food, rent and utilities, and support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild people’s lives and the affected communities.

The United Way movement has mobilized to respond to the Gulf Coast’s immediate needs, while also preparing for extensive long-term needs. To date, thousands of families have received help with food, clothing, utility assistance, rent and mortgage relief, and access to health and mental health care.  United Way’s 2-1-1 help line in the Gulf region reports a dramatic spike in calls, both from people who need help and who want to volunteer.

The tragic oil spill in the Gulf and it’s affects on everyday people and wildlife will certainly be felt for years to come. I hope you will consider sharing this opportunity with your coworkers, friends and family, and join United Way, Larry King and other celebrity participants such as Harry Connick Jr., Sting, Robert Redford, Ivanka Trump, Aaron Neville, and many, many more to take a stand for the Gulf Coast tonight!

Read more about the telethon, and please pass this on to your family, friends, coworkers and anyone who wants to help.