Telethon Raises $23 Million; NBC Sandy Telethon Raises Big Money for Hurricane Relief

The relief effort for Hurricane Sandy got a big boost from NBC's telethon which raised $23 million.

"Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together" was presented on Friday by NBC and the American Red Cross, and featured top performances by Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Christian Aguilera.

"We are incredibly grateful and humbled by this outpouring of support for those who are suffering as a result of Superstorm Sandy," American Red Cross Chief Marketing Officer Peggy Dyer said in a statement. "Our preliminary results of nearly $23 million raised are an extraordinary example of how the American people pull together in times of disaster. Their generous donations will go directly to those in need, and we urge the public to continue to give."

Matt Lauer hosted the telethon which saw numerous celebrities dropping by like Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Stewart, Danny DeVito, Sting and Aerosmith.

Relief is still needed for those impacted by one of the worst storms in U.S. history with thousands of people still without power while others trying to move on.

Singer Jon Bon Jovi also lent his voice to the event.

Bon Jovi released a statement on Friday urging people to donate: "Once again, the eyes of the world are upon us as we wake to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Once again we will have hurdles to clear and challenges we will have to face. When patience is lost ... when it seems helpless ... when you are in need and you feel as if you're alone ... know you are not alone. We may not have electricity but we have power."

There are many relief organizations that need donations to help those affected by the disaster such as the American Red Cross ,Americares, and the Salvation Army National Corps.

GuideStar provides helpful tips to those interested in donating money to the charity that's right for them.