Celebrities and athletes working to aid Hurricane Harvey victims
Victims of Hurricane Harvey are getting some help from the stars.
Comedian Kevin Hart and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt are just a few of the big names donating money and urging others to pledge funds.
Kevin Hart donates $25,000 to Hurricane Harvey victims and challenges other celebrities to do the same. Read more: https://t.co/M6xMKIJt7c pic.twitter.com/7BC19Cg8x8
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 28, 2017
In a video posted on Twitter by NBC News, Hart said he’s donating $25,000 and challenged other celebrities to help.
“This is a serious matter,” Hart said in the video. “I’m going to lead the charge and step it up in this way.”
Hart later tweeted that he’d give double his original amount.
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl
Watt started a fundraiser Sunday to help the people of Houston.
“That’s our city,” he said in a video. “There’s going to be a lot we need to do to help rebuild.”
He originally set a goal of $200,000. When that goal was reached in less than two hours, he boosted it to $500,000.
Earlier Monday, he doubled that.
“I can’t even begin to describe what it’s like to see people come together for a common cause,” Watt said, expressing gratitude to all who have helped. According to Watt, that list includes new Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, who gave $50,000.
As of 6:15 p.m. Pacific time Monday, the fundraiser generated more than $900,000 of the $1 million goal.
Some others who have donated or are pushing for pledges include singers Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, rapper Drake, country music star Chris Young, actress Jenna Fischer, and NFL team owners Robert Kraft and Robert McNair.
This story was originally published August 28, 2017 at 7:11 PM with the headline "Celebrities and athletes working to aid Hurricane Harvey victims."