Some of music and television's biggest names joined forces for a very important cause Friday evening, and their teamwork paid off -- big time.

On Saturday, NBCUniversal and the American Red Cross announced that their Hurricane Sandy benefit had raised almost $23 million for victims of the superstorm that caused billions of dollars of damage across the Northeast and left more than 100 people dead.

"We are incredibly grateful and humbled by this outpouring of support for those who are suffering," the 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."

Added Dyer, "Their generous donations will go directly to those in need and we urge the public to continue to give. We also thank the dedicated and talented team at NBCUniversal for the millions of people they have helped through this telethon."

Hosted by TODAY show anchor Matt Lauer, celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Bacon, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Stewart and Brian Williams all stopped by to show their support.

Music superstars Steven Tyler, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Mary J. Blige, Sting and Christina Aguilera were on hand to perform moving musical tributes to those affected by the devastating storm system.

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: NBC's Hurricane Sandy Benefit Raises $23 Million for the American Red Cross