‘Hand in Hand’ raises $44M and counting for hurricane aid
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rapper Bun B, left, and Scooter Braun, co-organizers of “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief,” which was held at the Universal Studios Back Lot on Sept. 12 in Universal City, Calif.
This week’s “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief” harnessed its celebrity star power and generated more than $44 million in donations.
Stars of all stripes turned out on Sept. 12 in support of the telethon, including performances by Stevie Wonder and George Strait, while other celebrities lobbied for donations via taped submissions.
“Natural disasters don’t discriminate,” Houston native Beyoncé said in her message. “They don’t care if you’re an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor.”
Household names also manned the phones, with Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, George Clooney and Barbra Streisand joining dozens of other celebrities fielding donation calls.
“Hand in Hand” was originally organized by Houston rapper Bun B and Hollywood talent manager Scooter Braun as a benefit for Hurricane Harvey victims, but was expanded in the wake of Hurricane Irma’s widespread devastation.
If you missed the televised event, you can still donate online or by calling (800) 258-6000 or texting “GIVE” to 80077
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