"Not on our watch!" a humanitarian assistance program, founded by actors Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Jerry Weintraub. "Not on our watch" has raised over $1 million for Haitian relief efforts. Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, otherwise known as "Brangelina," donated $1 million to Doctors Without Borders immediately after the devastating quake. Actress Jennifer Anniston also pledged $500,000 to Doctors Without Borders. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio donated $1 million. Actress Sandra Bullock and model Gisele Bundchen both wrote out checks to Red Cross; Bullock in the amount of $1 million, and Bundchen, who had a salary of $40 million in 2009, $1.5 million.
Madonna donated $250,000 towards relief efforts. Professional cyclist Lance Armstrong, who survived testicular cancer, and his LiveStrong Foundation also pledged $250,000 to go towards Doctors Without Borders as well as the Partners in Health Foundation. Actress Alyssa Milano, who is the goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, wrote a $50,000 check to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and asked other corporations to match her donation. Actor Tyler Perry pledged $250,000. Actor Ben Stiller is raising money for a school in Ceverine in Haiti through "Save the Children." He also asked fans for $10 donations charged to phone bills by texting "Haiti" to 90999.
Magician David Blaine, who once shot a TV special in Haiti in 1999, worked with the Red Cross to raise funds for Haitian earthquake victims by performing his street magic for 72 hours non-stop in Times Square. Lady GaGa stated that all proceeds from her New York City concert would go towards Haitian relief efforts. The concert raised just over $500,000. Irish businessman Denis O'Brien and professional golfer Tiger Woods both donated $3 million of their own money. John Travolta piloted his own private jet to Haiti on January 26th, bringing six tons of ready to eat military meals and medical supplies, as well as bringing over several doctors and ministers. Professional baseball player Miguel Trejada personally delivered several humanitarian supplies to Haiti.
Many celebrities, in one form or another, have aided Haitian relief efforts since the devastating quake in 2010. Whether it be in the form of a large monetary donation, physical help, etc., the celebrity response to a disaster generally helps it become and maintain popularity. If not for the celebrities, the mass media would probably begin to lose interest in the story over short time. At the same time, the humanitarian response from celebrities often helps them in return, by offering positive feedback, publicity, and popularity in the public eye.
Sources:
Petry, R. (2010). Should you use a celebrity?
http://www.responsemagazine.com/response-magazine/should-you-use-a-celebrity-491
Us magazine. (2010). Gisele Gives $1.5 Million to Haiti Relief Efforts.
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/gisele-give-million-to-haiti-relief-efforts-2010151
ROC4Life. (2010). Top Ten Celebrity donations to Haiti.
http://www.roc4life.com/profiles/blogs/top-10-celebrity-donations-to
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