Discovery Communications and Habitat for Humanity rebuild tornado-ravaged areas of Alabama
Reed Timmer and Tim Samaras of Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers;” Dave Salmoni of Animal Planet; and the Duggar family of TLC to participate
SILVER SPRING, Md. (Sept. 22, 2011) – More than 125 Discovery Communications employees and on-air talent from across the U.S., including Reed Timmer and Tim Samaras of Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers,” the Duggar family of “19 Kids and Counting” on TLC, and Dave Salmoni of Animal Planet, will travel to tornado-ravaged communities in Alabama from Sept. 22-24 to work with Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity on major home rebuilds and rehabilitations for affected residents of the Pleasant Grove, Jasper and Center Point suburbs of Birmingham. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley also will be on site for the first day of the project.
View a slideshow of the Discovery Build.
Habitat for Humanity, the 6th largest home builder and the largest private home builder in the U.S., works in more than 1,500 locations across the country and was one of the first on the scene for rebuild efforts in the region. Habitat leaders worked closely with Discovery to determine five projects where the company’s employees and on-air talent could make an impression on relief efforts already under way.
“Since its inception, Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying viewers’ curiosity and making a difference through our programming that educates and enlightens, and we also recognize that our impact can extend beyond the screen,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. “We’re proud to partner with Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity on this important ‘Rebuilding Alabama’ project and to demonstrate the positive impact that businesses can make in answering the call to service.”
“We appreciate Discovery’s commitment to helping the Greater Birmingham community recover from the April 27th tornadoes,” stated Charles Moore, President and CEO of Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity. “Their contribution of financial and human resources will make a significant impact on the lives of the families touched by their generosity.”
“I am humbled to be a part of the process to rebuild the Burchfield family’s home. The storms in April may have taken our possessions but they did not take the heart and spirit of the people of Alabama. This is just one of the many rebuilding stories of hope that is going on all across Alabama. I cannot say thank you enough to Discovery Communications for their staff and resources to help this family and our state. It is through their efforts and the efforts of countless volunteers that we will be a better Alabama,” said Alabama Governor Robert Bentley.
The initial idea and inspiration behind Discovery’s ‘Rebuilding Alabama’ project came from Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav, as part of the company’s Discovery Impact initiatives, which leverage the power of Discovery’s brands, businesses and employees to give back and make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.
Timmer and Samaras were first-hand witnesses to the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, and will return to Alabama to work with Discovery employees in the rebuilding efforts. “Storm Chasers’” new season launches Sunday, Sept. 25, and will feature stories and footage from this past spring’s historic tornado outbreaks.
Beginning Sept. 25, and through the end of 2011, 10.50 from the sale of each specially created “Storm Chasers” and “19 Kids and Counting” T-shirt sold on DiscoveryStore.com will be donated to support Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts.
About Discovery Impact
Through its Discovery Impact programs, Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) leverages the power of its brands, businesses and employees to give back to the world. From programming that inspires and educates to annual events that make a direct impact on the communities in which we live and work, Discovery strives to celebrate, support and sustain the majesty of the earth’s people, animals and natural beauty. For more information about how Discovery is making an impact, please visit: http://impact.discovery.com.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 139 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit discoverycommunications.com.
About Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry serving the needs of Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties in Alabama. Since 1987, the organization has assisted almost 700 families with quality, affordable housing through a comprehensive plan including construction, repairs and rehabilitation, and is ranked No. 5 out of more than 1,500 Habitat affiliates in the United States. For further information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit habitatbirmingham.org.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.