*”When love goes into action, it preferences no color of skin, no ethnicity, no religious beliefs, no sexual preferences, and no political persuasions. It just loves,” said Stevie Wonder, who joined a roster of celebrities volunteering their time to help raise money for those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Wonder sang ‘Lean On Me’ at the hour long benefit named ‘Hand in Hand’ which was broadcast on four networks including iHeart Radio and ABC.
Everyone was there to lend a hand: Oprah was on the phones, along with Justin Bieber, George Clooney, Julianne Moore, Bruce Willis, Sofia Vergara, and Julia Roberts and many others.
Justin Timberlake shared stories while photos and videos showing experiences of folks impacted were displayed in the background, and loads of artists performed.
Beyonce, a Houston native, said moving words about climate change and the state of our country today.
Queen Bey noted that, “it’s impossible to watch the news without seeing violence or racism in this country.”
“Just when you think it couldn?t possibly get worse, natural disasters take take precious life, do massive damage, and forever change lives, leaving behind contaminated water, flooded hospitals, schools, and nursing homes and countless families are now homeless,” she continued. ?Natural disasters don?t discriminate. They don?t see if you?re an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor. It doesn?t matter if you?re from [Houston neighborhoods] Third Ward or River Oaks, we?re all in this together,? she said.
Credit: MTV
Stephen Colbert announced that Apple was donating $5 million and Jimmy Fallon added that Albertsons Cos. and Merck each gave $1 million.
NBA star Chris Paul also said that the NBA Players Association, which donated $500,000, would match any professional basketball player’s donation up to $20,000.
Billy Crystal closed the telethon thanking everyone at all the call centers, and reminding people that the phone lines and donation centers will be open all night.
He concluded, “This is what America is really all about.”
Well said, Billy Crystal. Well said.
