Kevin Hart, The Kardashians, Chris Brown & More Help Raise Over $1 Million for Hurricane Harvey Relief
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As Hurricane Harvey continues to devastate southeast Texas in its aftermath, a number of celebrities are stepping up to provide support for the families affected by the storm’s extensive flooding and damage. Along with sending messages via social media, music stars are pooling together hundreds of thousands of dollars for the cause.
Many have taken action through Kevin Har?t’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge, which the comedian advertised on Instagram Sunday. (Aug. 27). Hart initially donated $25,000 before upping his contribution to $50,000 and called out fellow comedians and artists to do the same. As of press time, Hart’s fund has collected almost $800,000, with all money going to the Red Cross to help those impacted by the disaster.
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A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Aug 27, 2017 at 4:07pm PDT
Chris Brown vowed to donate $100,000 directly to “the people,” and T.I. promised to donate $25,000 to the cause.
?? AND IM SKEPTICAL ABOUT RED CROSS SO MY DONATION WILL GO TO THE PEOPLE! pic.twitter.com/GjUVWUDpuG
— Chris Brown (@chrisbrown) August 29, 2017
A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Aug 28, 2017 at 4:38pm PDT
Beyonce, a Houston native, released a statement that was published in the Houston Chronicle:
“My heart goes out to my hometown, Houston, and I remain in constant prayer for those affected and for the rescuers who have been so brave and determined to do so much to help,” the singer wrote. “I am working closely with my team at BeyGOOD as well as my pastor (Rudy Rasmus at St. John’s in downtown Houston) to implement a plan to help as many as we can.”
Beyonce’s pastor, Rasmus, later told TMZ it was unlikely we would ever learn the full extent of the pop star’s donations and generosity to the people of Houston. “Beyonce is extremely private and has done a lot that she has requested that we don’t announce and publicize over the years … she has always taken a position to help this city in its times of need and now is no different — she has really stepped up and it has been a real blessing for us,” he said.
Drake stepped up for the cause, too, announcing a collaborative relief effort with Future the Prince. In a lengthy Instagram post offering his support, the rapper wrote, “Myself and @futuretheprince are working with local relief groups to aid and assist the people of Texas in anyway we can and in the most immediate way possible.”
A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Aug 28, 2017 at 2:13am PDT
Jennifer Lopez and boyfriend Alex Rodriguez also teamed up to help those affected, announcing that they will donate $25,000 each to the American Red Cross.
A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) on Aug 29, 2017 at 8:19am PDT
The Kardashians and Jenners, Nicki Minaj, and DJ Khaled have also made donations. In a series of tweets, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner announced that they will donate a collective $500,000 to the American Red Cross and the U.S. Salvation Army.
Minaj shared Hart’s Instagram video on her own account, where she pledged $25,000, while Khaled tweeted a video of himself and his baby while taking on Hart’s challenge.
HOUSTON TEXAS my prayers are wit you! I just sent 25k your way to help all the families in need —- @kevinhart4real I accepted your challenge pic.twitter.com/EgCjyT8IKV
— DJ KHALED (@djkhaled) August 29, 2017
Country singer Chris Young, who owns a house in an area hit by strong winds and flooding, has offered $100,000 to relief efforts, Lady Antebellum, meanwhile, is sending all merch proceeds from Sunday night’s (Aug. 27) show in Dallas to victims of the storm.
Texas has been hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. I’m donating $100,000 to relief efforts and hope you will join me. https://t.co/oZvwtkp1iU pic.twitter.com/kDLNdj3WVi
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) August 27, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by #HurricaneHarvey. pic.twitter.com/HBihHtqUcL
— Lady Antebellum (@ladyantebellum) August 28, 2017
Houston native Hilary Duff posted an album of heartbreaking images to her Instagram, calling the events “a tragedy” and urging others to join her in donating an undisclosed amount to the American Red Cross and the Houston Food Bank.
A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on Aug 31, 2017 at 4:01pm PDT
The Chainsmokers shared a video saying although they were not personally called out by the comedian, they were were moved by his plea for help and announced they were donating $30,000 to his fund.
Step up and donate! Our friends in Houston need help! #hurricaneharveyreliefchallenge donate to the @RedCross pic.twitter.com/rHoJvDgMBd
— THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) August 29, 2017
Jack Antonoff of Bleachers is offering specific support to a disaster relief fund started by Houston’s Montrose Center, a safe space for the LGBTQ community. He has pledged to match donations up to $10,000.
i’m going to match donations up to 10k to the montrose LGBT center in houston for harvey relief PLEASE donate! https://t.co/HGFvHtVfEn
— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) August 29, 2017
Artists have shown their support in other ways, too. Coldplay paid tribute to their Texas fans during a concert in Miami with a special performance of a new song titled “Houston.”
Rapper Lil B announced on Twitter that he’ll give Houston artists the unique opportunity for free guest verses in September.
If you were affected by the flood in Huston and you make music. Lil B is giving free verses to all artist from Huston Texas for sept – Lil B
— Lil B THE BASEDGOD (@LILBTHEBASEDGOD) August 29, 2017
Kacey Musgraves volunteered by answering phones during a Red Cross donation telethon Tuesday. She later posted a video to Twitter, saying that she’s looking into playing a benefit concert to raise funds for the people affected.
HOLLA @RedCross My phone line is open pic.twitter.com/VPUIW94f2E
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 29, 2017
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 29, 2017
The Red Cross has provided a list of flood safety tips, and those who wish to help can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text he word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Other organizations supporting those affected include AmeriCares, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and AABB.
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