Hollywood Helpers: Celebs Aiding Hurricane Relief Effort

In light of the recent natural disasters that have impacted much of the country, these celebrities have used their positions to spread awareness and make a difference in hurricane relief efforts.

The big names of Hollywood gathered together on Tuesday night for the “Hand in Hand” hurricane relief benefit to help raise money for those affected by hurricanes Irma and Harvey. The telethon raised over $44 million, according to ABC News.

Stevie Wonder kicked off the benefit by singing “Lean on Me,” according to ABC News. Other celebrities who participated in the event include Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Justin Bieber, Julianne Moore, Matthew McConaughey, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Cher, Josh Groban, Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, and Bruce Willis. Demi Lovato also performed during the telethon. During the event, participating celebrities including Reese Witherspoon and Luke Bryan posted photos on their Instagram accounts of themselves holding signs urging fans to call them to donate.

Kristen Bell has also done her part to boost spirits of those affected by singing Frozen songs for an audience of 200 evacuees at a Florida middle school, according to ET. Bell also played bingo and sang with senior citizens impacted by the disaster.

According to CNN, Kevin Hart donated $50,000 and started a campaign called the “Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge,” urging his famous friends to donate as well. Kim Kardashian tweeted that she and her family would be donation $500,000 to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army to assist hurricane relief. CNN also reported that DJ Khaled and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson each pledge $25,000. Sandra Bullock and Tyler Perry each gave $1 million, as did The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, according to CNN.

Elle reported that Taylor Swift made a “sizable” donation to the Houston Food Bank and Miley Cyrus donated $500,000, as she announced on the Ellen Degeneres Show. Demi Lovato tweeted that she was donating $50,000.

Want to know how you can help? Donate to the Red Cross here, the Salvation Army here, and Global Giving here.