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Sept. 8, 2005 – Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today urged Virgin Islands residents to view and participate in the Friday evening telethon on Black Entertainment Television (BET) that will raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Christensen is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is one of the organizations behind the September 9th event. "I want to urge the people of the Virgin Islands, who I know are generous and are touched by the immense tragedy that has unfolded in the Gulf Coast states to contribute to this Friday evening's telethon on BET Television," said Delegate Christensen.

According to Black Entertainment Television, the telethon which begins at 7:30 p.m. will feature a roster of superstar artists, many with ties to the affected areas, including Wynton Marsalis, Master P, David Banner, Juvenile, Baby and Lil Wayne (Cash Money) along with Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Alicia Keys, Diddy, Jay Z, Kanye West, Island Def Jam Music Group Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid Common, Usher, Nick Cannon, Omarion, Pharrell Williams, Ciara, Ludacris, Keyshia Cole, Avant, Gerald Levert, Lyfe, Twista, Stevie Wonder, Brandy, Wyclef, Erykah Badu, Al and Star Jones Reynolds, Chris Rock and more. Celebrity participants will give of their time and resources in an inspiring effort to address tremendous devastation in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and elsewhere. Telethon viewers can call designated toll-free phone numbers to make financial pledges to the Red Cross relief efforts. Other participating organizations include the National Urban League, American Red Cross, Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Essence Communications and major recording labels.

"I am extremely proud of the Virgin Islands response thus far to the tragedy," Christensen said, noting those who are working with the Red Cross, National Guard, or churches and those who are contributing through the Hotel Association, UVI and HOVENSA," she said. "Friday night is one more opportunity to give," she pointed out. "We should take advantage of it."