'Hurricane Sandy Coming Together' Concert Hosted By NBC, Donations To Red Cross

As residents in the East Coast struggle to get back on their feet after super storm Sandy lashed out starting Sunday evening, NBC Universal announced on Thursday that it plans to hold a live benefit concert to aid victims affected by the harsh weather.

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The NBC network stated " 'Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together' will air Friday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST on several broadcast, cable and internet networks, including NBC, NBC.com, USA Network, SyFy, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, E!, Style Network and G4."

The Daily News reported that Matt Lauer will host the concert and a tape delayed broadcast will air on the West Coast. Lauer is the host of "The Today Show." 

Among those who are featured to perform include New Jersey's very own Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, as well as Billy Joel and Christina Aguilera. The Wall Street Journal confirmed that Sting, who sings hits like "Englishman in New York," is also expected to perform. NBC'S Brian Williams and "Late Night" host Jimmy Fallon are expected to appear at the fundraiser as well.

The network said on its website that the money raised will be donated to the American Red Cross.

According to Reuters, a charitable event as such could boost NBC's ratings, which has landed in first place with adult viewers in the past weeks after years of not doing so well.

NBC hosted a similar beneficial event when Hurricane Katrina shook New Orleans in 2005. According to the Daily News, that effort raised $50 million to help aid those affected by Katrina.

The death toll of Hurricane Sandy currently stands at 82 in the United States and Canada, Reuters confirmed. This is reportedly the largest storm by far to hit the nation in decades. Millions of people still continue without power and emergency teams are still struggling to reach the most affected areas.