Discovery Communications and Habitat for Humanity Rebuild Superstorm Sandy Ravaged Areas of Atlantic City
Silver Spring, Md., May 16, 2013 /3BL Media/ – More than 125 Discovery Communications' employees and on-air talent from across the United States, including Buddy Valastro of TLC’s CAKE BOSS and Dave Salmoni of Animal Planet, will be in the Atlantic City suburb of Ventnor City, New Jersey, from May 16-18 to work with Habitat for Humanity on major home rehabilitations in partnership with residents affected by Superstorm Sandy. Ventnor City Mayor Mike Bagnell will work alongside Discovery employees and talent for the duration of the build and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be on site for the second day of the build.
Habitat for Humanity, the 6th largest home builder and the largest private home builder in the United States, 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. Leaders from Habitat for Humanity International and Atlantic County Habitat for Humanity worked closely with Discovery to determine projects where the company's employees and on-air talent could make an impact on recovery efforts already under way.
"Since its inception, Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying viewers' curiosity and making a difference through programs that educate and enlighten, and we also recognize that our mission extends beyond the screen," said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this important ‘Rebuilding Atlantic City' project and to demonstrate the positive impact that businesses can make in answering the call to service."
“New Jersey has made significant strides rebuilding and recovering in the six and a half months since Superstorm Sandy,” said Governor Chris Christie. “I’m proud of how our communities and residents have shown the world our strength, determination and resilience. Through the support and volunteerism of individuals and organizations across the globe, we experienced the human spirit at its best. I would like to thank Discovery Communications, Habitat for Humanity and TLC for being a part of that spirit as they partner together to repair homes for the residents of Ventnor.”
“Like almost every community in New Jersey, Ventnor was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. Since the day of the storm, Ventnor has been in recovery mode and our citizens have done a wonderful job helping each other to rebuild our community,” said Ventnor City Mayor Mike Bagnell. “I’d also like to thank Discovery Communications, TLC and Habitat for Humanity for coming to our town and partnering with us to move Ventnor forward. Sandy knocked us down, but not out.”
“This event is just one way that Habitat for Humanity is responding to those who are still suffering from the devastation of the storm,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are delighted to work with partners like Discovery Communications to help families rebuild their lives and strengthen communities.”
The initial idea and inspiration behind Discovery's ‘Rebuilding Atlantic City' project came from 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. In 2011, Discovery employees rebuilt homes in tornado-ravaged suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama.
Buddy Valastro of TLC’s CAKE BOSS will work with Discovery employees in the rebuilding efforts in his home state of New Jersey. A new season of CAKE BOSS returns to TLC on Monday, May 27 at 9 p.m., followed by a brand-new project BAKERY BOSS, where Buddy helps transform a struggling family-run bakery into the success they desperately need.
Also participating in the rebuild efforts are Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni and the stars of TLC’s HONEY DO, Jonathan Waud, Kevin Peake and Benjamin Patterson. HONEY DO, premiering June 17 at 10 p.m., follows a dream team of handy men who come to the aid of one wife with a totally relatable problem - she's got a "honey do" list a mile long - and her husband doesn't know where to begin.
To further Discovery’s impact, Discovery Education is also presenting an exciting and educational assembly for the students and staff of Atlantic City Public Schools’ Sovereign Avenue School. The assembly will offer students a sneak peek of the upcoming Discovery Channel series NORTH AMERICA, and will include special appearances by Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni and TLC’s CAKE BOSS, Buddy Valastro.
In conjunction with the rebuilding efforts, Whirlpool is generously donating household appliances including washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators to several homes that were greatly affected by the storm. The 30 appliances will be installed throughout the three-day project by Discovery Communications’ volunteers and Habitat leaders.Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity have been working together for more than a decade to create decent, affordable housing around the world. Over the past 13 years, Whirlpool has contributed more than $78 million in cash and product to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity.
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 two billion cumulative subscribers in 223 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 162 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of 20 television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. 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 Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.
About Whirlpool brand
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2012, 68,000 employees, and 65 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. Whirlpool brand recognizes that consumers lead busy, active lives and continues to create solutions that help consumers optimize productivity and efficiency in the home. In addition to designing appliance solutions based on consumer insight, Whirlpool is one of Habitat for Humanity's largest corporate partners, donating a refrigerator and range to every new Habitat for Humanity home built in North America. For more information on Whirlpool brand please visit www.whirlpool.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whirlpoolUSA. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
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