In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy NBCUniversal’s Matt Lauer has brought together some of the biggest names in music for a one-hour live benefit telethon, “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together,” at 8PM EST.

Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and Aerosmith will join Matt to rock the nation tonight to raise money for the American Red Cross and victims of Sandy. We spoke with Matt about what drove him to put the telethon together and his message to people across the country about donating now:

For more details on how to help visit: NBC.com/SandyHelp
#SandyHelp

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The American Red Cross response to Sandy is very large and will be very costly, affecting a massive area spanning much of the eastern half of the country. Financial donations help the American Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate now, people can visit  www.NBC.com, call 1-800-HELP NOW or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.