NY's Sandy relief fund kicks off with star power

(AP) Robert De Niro, Michael J. Fox, Whoopi Goldberg and other celebrities along with pro sports stars are being featured in public service TV announcements to raise money to provide permanent housing for Superstorm Sandy victims in New York.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (KWOH'-moh) said Friday the Empire State Relief Fund is intended to help residents repair and return to homes flooded and damaged when the storm hit last week. He says the best temporary housing is permanent housing and it's cheaper in the long run for taxpayers.

The filming is under way and will include several New York area sports stars.

The superstorm killed more than 100 people in 10 states, but New York and New Jersey were the hardest hit.