FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

The dollar numbers are in from Thursday's "Flood Aid 2012" telethon.
Around $75,000 added up in just three hours -- thanks to the generosity of the Northland -- and also thanks to the team effort from every television station in town.

"The storm didn't know any political boundaries, and neither does the need or generosity for those in need," said Duluth Mayor Don Ness.

Ness, along with Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen and city, county and state leaders answered phones live on PBS-Ch.8 for the telethon.

"These private donations -- neighbors helping neighbors -- is going to be absolutely critical in helping folks put together their lives," Ness said.

Every Northland television station, including FOX 21 News, and even long-time anchor Dennis Anderson, partnered up to help raise as much money possible for the Twin Ports Region Long-Term Relief Fund.

"No matter if you live in Superior, or Carlton, or Cloquet, or in Two Harbors -- and you were affected -- these moneys will be accessible," said Paula Reed, from the United Way, who is handling the relief fund.

The telethon brought in leaders from the community like those at the Duluth Rotary Club who donated $25,000 just at the telethon.

"Five or 10-thousand would have shown that we wanted to participate. $25,000 -- we wanted to show we are a leader in the community, and to incent other to consider joining us," said Al Makynen of the Duluth Rotary Club.

It's safe to say that's just what Northland have, are and will continue to do going forward – building an even stronger community in the end.

"The damage is there. It's just hidden. It's people who have lost so much in the basement or their foundations are cracked, and you might not realized it until you get out of your car and talk to these folks," Ness explained.

Online donations were not in the $75,000 total but will be added Friday.
FOX 21 News sends a special thanks to the Northland's NewsCenter, WDIO and especially WDSE PBS-Ch.8, as well as its crew, for organizing and broadcasting the telethon.
If you would still like to donate, log on to www.2012floodrelief.org