Hurricane relief takes center stage
E motional stories of hope and destruction, superstar performances and warnings to take heed of climate change highlighted “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief.”
Houston-based rapper Bun B and music manager Scooter Braun organized the hourlong telethon to help those in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. It was expanded this week to also benefit victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida.
“Remember, when humanity needs your help, you don’t hesitate. You activate,” Bun B said as he stood next to Braun.
“Hand in Hand” aired Tuesday night across several networks and streamed live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Within just that hour, donations reached more than $14 million with more being accepted at handinhand2017.com.
Stevie Wonder kicked things off with a rousing “Lean on Me” featuring a gospel choice.
“When love goes into action, it recognizes no
color of skin, no ethnicity, no religious beliefs, no sexual preferences and no political persuasions,” Wonder said at the top of the program.
“It just loves – as we should begin to love and value our planet. And anyone who believes that there is no such thing as global warming must be blind or unintelligent.
“Lord, please save us all.”
Dozens of celebrities manned the phones, including Jay Leno, Jared Leto, DJ Khaled, Stephen Colbert, Tom Hanks, Cher, George Clooney, Gwen Stefani, Julianne Moore, Daniel Craig, Nicki Minaj and Bruce Willis.
Performances and testimonies were beamed in from Universal Studios Hollywood, New York’s Times Square and Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Many urged viewers to let this be a call to heal a divided nation.
Oprah Winfrey and Cher held each other as they recounted the story of a human chain who
linked together to save a stranger in Houston. A photo of the dramatic rescue was on the screen behind them.
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this picture was worth more. It can heal, revive and inspire a nation,” Cher said.
“This picture is us. Never forget, this is who we are. This is always who we are.”
George Strait beamed in from his own benefit at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio, crooning “If It Wasn’t for Texas” and “I Believe” alongside Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen.
Usher and Blake Shelton performed “Stand by Me” from the Grand Ole Opry. Later, the same stage was occupied by Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans for a group run through “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Selena Gomez, who hails from Grand Prairie, broke down in tears as she recounted the story of the Saldivar family, who lost six members when their van was submerged in Houston.
Justin Bieber took part in a prayer with Rabbi Ari Lucas and Jihad Turk, director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California. Tori Kelly and Luis Fonsi were an emotive, understated highlight during a bilingual “Hallelujah.”
And, of course, Beyoncé localized her prerecorded contribution in only the way she can.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re from Third Ward or River Oaks, we’re all in this together,” she said. “Seeing everyone of different racial, social and religious backgrounds put their own lives at risk to help each other survive restored my faith in humanity.
Proceeds from “Hand in Hand” will benefit the United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Feeding Texas and the Mayor’s Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief.