‘Lost’ cast set
to aid in disaster

After a day of disbelief following Hurricane Katrina's devastation, actor Harold Perrineau Jr. and wife Brittany wanted to help but were not sure how.

'Lost' event The cast of "Lost" will sign autographs to raise funds for hurricane relief: When: Noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow (line begins forming at 11 a.m.) Place: Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, near Tapa Bar Also: Cast photos will go to the first 1,000 people. A collection of designer jewelry and handbags will be given to the top donors, along with 10 copies of Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go," signed by the cast. Donations: The Red Cross will process cash, check and credit card donations. No food or clothing donations, please.

"We mulled over the option of actually hosting a family or two (in their New York City home) but didn't know how practical it would be given my work schedule," said Perrineau, one of the stars of ABC's hit series "Lost."

"We thought about going to New Orleans to help, but it didn't make sense when what they really need are skilled people."

So while Perrineau was on set, his wife called the American Red Cross, Hawaii branch, for suggestions. "They wondered if the 'Lost' cast would sign some autographs and have their pictures taken with fans to raise money," Perrineau said. "Boom! We both knew that was the answer."

He spoke to each cast member asking if they would be available. "Every single person: 'I'm there.'"

All proceeds from tomorrow's event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village go to the American Red Cross. "The autographs and photos are a tool to raise as much money as we can," Perrineau said. "Any donation amount is valid."

The event is to help raise awareness for the local Red Cross branch, which is training people to go into the destroyed areas.

The Perrineau family is familiar with the Red Cross.

"We're a 9/11 family because we lived right down in the Red Zone when the terrorist attack occurred," Perrineau said. "The Red Cross was really helpful for us and our neighbors when we needed it the most."

The irony of playing survivors at this time is not lost on the "Lost" actors. "We have the good fortune to play people in a desperate situation but feel compelled to help those in a real desperate situation," he said. "We only understand a small amount of what they must be going through, because every day we all get to go home."