Multi-city telethon raises over $1M for families affected by Flint's water crisis

FLINT — Donations poured in from across the country to help families affected by Flint's water crisis.

Bank of America together with its employees gave a check for $20,000.

Representative, Susan Cole says, "We can all put ourselves in the residents of Flint's footsteps and it's a very difficult situation."

Elga Credit Union donated $1000 and challenged others to get involved.

Cheryl Sclater says, "Hopefully all of our other organizations and corporations within the community will know too that they can help."

Live telecasts took place simultaneously throughout the state.

Over at WDIV in Detroit, they donated $20,000.

Kroger gave $10,000.

Meijer presented a check for $25,000.

Art van contributed $100,000.

Large corporations aren't the only ones getting involved.

Eight-year-old Kellyn Thelen traveled all the way from Shelby Township to hand over money she raised at a bake sale.

Flint native, Rhonda Bealore, held back emotions as she talked about the water crisis hitting close to home.

"You take things for granted. I mean we go home every day, we take a shower you know, we eat, we drink and you don't really realize what they're going through until you're in it," said Bealore.

Judy Curtis, also of Flint, was overwhelmed by the support.

"It's just wonderful. I've had seniors $20 that's all I can afford, you know people are giving what they can and that's beautiful," said Curtis.

Celebrities like Big Sean, Mark Ruffalo and Mark Walburg called in to show their support.

The Flint Water Crisis For Our Families Telethon raised $566,982.

Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons and Flint native, together with his FlintNOW Foundation matched that amount bringing the grand total raised to $1,133,964.

The money will go to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund.