NEW YORK – “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief,” a one-hour TV special on Sept. 12 that featured performances and appearances from a long roster of concert, film and TV stars, raised $44 million in less than one day for those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The event was organized by a team led by production manager Scooter Braun, many of whom were also involved in quickly mobilizing and organizing the One Love Manchester benefit with Ariana Grande in the U.K. It was organized in response to Hurricane Harvey but expanded to include Irma victims as well.
Celebrities showed up to perform or take calls in New York, Nashville, San Antonio and Los Angeles for the event, which was broadcast live in the eastern U.S. and tape-delayed in the West.
Among those taking calls were Justin Bieber, Barbra Streisand, Al Pacino, George Clooney, Jamie Fox, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lupita Nyong’o and Jay Leno. Others sending in video appeals for help included Beyonce, Will Smith, Selena Gomez and Dwayne Johnson.
Stevie Wonder kicked off the music with a rendition of “Lean on Me” backed by a gospel choir, followed by Usher and Blake Shelton, who sand “Stand By Me.” Dave Matthews sang “Mercy,” and “Despacito” singer Luis Fonsi and Tori Kelly sang “Hallelujah” in a duet.
From Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans performed “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Performers in San Antonio included George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert and Lyle Lovett.
Organizations benefitting from the TV special include the United Way of Greater Houston, Rebuild Texas Fund, ASPCA, Habitat for Humanity, Best Friends, Direct Relief, Save the Children, Feeding Texas, Feeding Florida, and the Mayor’s Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief.
For more information, and to make a donation, go to www.handinhand2017.com.
