My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti and everyone affected by this terrible disaster.

What is apparent in times like this is that everything counts, no matter how small. Can you afford to donate $5? $3? $1? If so, that's great. It may be a small amount to you, all on it's own, but coupled with other small amounts, it becomes a big, powerful amount. You can find a list of charities on WhatGives!?

Can't afford to donate? You can still spread the word. The power of online community and social media has afforded everyone a voice if they choose to have one. If you're on Twitter, Facebook, etc.; you have a community of people and connections. Share worthwhile initiatives with them and help bring awareness. It only takes a few moments to send a link or retweet something on Twitter, but it does help.

An acquaintance of mine, Jim Turner of One by One Media, is taking action and has teamed with Cause Media Group, WS Radio and USTREAM to produce the Haitian Assistant Relief Telethon. Jim will be hosting a myriad of guests, including myself, for 24 hours beginning at 9 PM ET today, January 17 (that's 2 AM GMT tomorrow, January 18). You can watch on WhatGives?! and listen on WS Radio. I am scheduled to appear from 12:00 AM ET through 1:00 AM ET.

I'd encourage you to tune in, not just during my segment, but any time during the show and to spread the word about it. If you're sharing it on Twitter, please add "#HART" to your tweet, without the quotation marks, but with the pound sign. This is a Twitter hashtag that stands for Haitian Assistant Relief Telethon and will help bring awareness to the event.

But, whether you read this post before, during or after the show, please consider spreading awareness and information about the Haiti relief efforts in general. The WhatGives!? site is a great resource to spread through your social networks.

Thank you to everyone who helps in this effort and everyone who has been helping Haiti already. I appreciate you taking the time to read this message.

Update: Post updated to reflect proper start time.

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