Celebrities are sending help to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria cut power across the entire island. Miami native Pitbull has sent his private jet to the US territory to fly cancer patients who need chemotherapy to the United States. Entrepreneur and NBA Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has also sent a private plane carrying supplies to victims. On board was the Mavericks’ Puerto Rican point guard J.J. Barea. Other celebs united on social media to collect material donations, fundraising and encouraging fans to help out.
Jennifer Lopez, whose parents were born in Puerto Rico, teamed up with ex-husband Marc Anthony and current boyfriend Alex Rodriguez, to pledge $1 million to relief efforts for the island. Fans of Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee, who had a massive hit with this summer’s Despacito, donated 10 truckloads of supplies at his concerts. Daddy Yankee has pledged $1 million to Hurricane Maria relief efforts on the island.
Streaming service Tidal announced the net proceeds from its annual benefit will be divided among efforts for victims of Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, Irma and the earthquakes that hit Mexico. Money raised by the Oct. 17 Tidal X Brooklyn show will go to New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort. The funds will pay the cost of cargo planes desperately needed to transport donated supplies to Puerto Rico.
Performers at the show will include JAY-Z, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Daddy Yankee, Cardi B, Kaskade and Rapsody. Special appearances will be made by native New Yorkers Rosie Perez and Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. Both of the celebs’ parents were born in Puerto Rico. On Twitter, Miranda urges his followers and fellow celebrities daily to donate to the Hispanic Federation. The charity gives all funds raised to local work for recovery in Puerto Rico. Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez joined Miranda in soliciting donations for the Hispanic Federation.
Late night host Jimmy Fallon and reality T.V.’s Kim Kardashian West were among the celebrities offering help. “I will be donating to Puerto Rico and help them get the food & water they desperately need. Please donate,” wrote Kardashian West on Twitter.
Ellen DeGeneres called on her 73 million followers. “If you can help our fellow Americans in #PuertoRico, I hope you will. The damage is unbelievable,” she tweeted.
Hurricane Maria was a category 4 when it slammed Puerto Rico with 155mph winds. At least 26 people died as a result of the floods and mayhem. Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth whose inhabitants are all U.S. citizens.
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