Hollywood A-listers Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have stepped up to support disaster relief efforts, contributing a hefty sum to aid those hit by the recent hurricanes in the US. The philanthropic duo generously donated one million dollars (£765,000) to Feeding America following the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, bringing with it winds surpassing 100mph (160kph).
Their donation follows the news that their friend, global music icon Taylor Swift, has given a staggering five million dollars (£3.8 million) to the same cause. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, the CEO of Feeding America, lauded the couple’s contribution towards the relief fund, which will assist victims in their efforts to “rebuild and recover” from the havoc wreaked by the hurricanes across the south-eastern United States.
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“Their longtime support of Feeding America in times of crisis has helped our network on the ground before, during and after disasters,” she expressed in a statement on X.
She further highlighted that the funds are crucial for food banks to supply essentials such as water, ready-to-eat meals, and other supplies to communities that are grappling with immense loss and facing a lengthy period of recovery.
In another act of generosity, country music legend Dolly Parton made a personal pledge of one million dollars (£765,000) towards hurricane relief. Additionally, her various business ventures, including the famed Dollywood amusement park, have matched her donation, directing the funds to the Mountain Ways Foundation.
Country music star Morgan Wallen stepped up with a hefty contribution, donating half a million dollars via his Morgan Wallen Foundation to support recovery efforts in east Tennessee and other areas hit by Hurricane Helene.
In solidarity, fellow artists like Keith Urban, Luke Combs, and Sheryl Crow are joining forces for a ‘Concert For Carolina’ later this month, pledging that “all proceeds to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Carolina region”.