Between the hard-hitting hurricane season weathered by the U.S. and Caribbean, mass shootings and terrorist attacks at home and around the world, 2017 has left many people wondering where the good in this world has gone. Fortunately, despite all the disasters both natural and human-made, humanity’s best has come out as people rally to support one another. With deep pocketbooks and a passion for worthy causes, celebs in 2017 have brought out the big bucks for charity. Here are six of the most (known) generous celebrity donations of 2017 so far.
Sandra Bullock
Famous celebs like Sandra Bullock has made Texas her home, so it makes sense that following Hurricane Harvey the Hollywood actress would donate $1 million to disaster relief via the American Red Cross. According to an interview with People magazine, Bullock said, “There are no politics in eight feet of water. There are human beings in eight feet of water.” Bullock is known for her generous spirit and heart for others. In fact, the Oscar winner has quietly donated over $6 million to the American Red Cross since 2001 but prefers to have her charitable giving remain out of the spotlight.
Tyler Perry
Image courtesy of Sgt. Michael Connors via Wikimedia Commons.
Tyler Perry was also profoundly affected by Hurricane Harvey and joins celebs like Bullock as a seven-figure charitable giver to relief efforts. Perry pledged $1 million to Hurricane Harvey disaster relief. “What I’m seeing in Houston — the humanity, the caring for everybody, black, white, yellow, green, doesn’t matter — that is who we are as Americans. And I’m so proud of everyone who is helping so many people there,” he said in a Facebook video. Perry carefully considered the avenues he would donate to after a negative experience following Hurricane Katrina in 2005: “I was looking for people who were boots on the ground, who could help immediately, people that I trust, people that I know are going to do the right thing.”
Leonardo DiCaprio
Image courtesy of U.S. Department of State via Wikimedia Commons.
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his environmental activism, and 2017 saw him place his money where his mouth is (again). Beyond donating $1 million to Hurricane Harvey relief, the Oscar-winning actor pledged $20 million to climate-change charities. The funds will be distributed among nearly 100 associations. DiCaprio’s activism goes well beyond his checkbook. The actor revealed that he met with President Trump to discuss the impact the United States could have by leading the world in green initiatives, “The United States has the potential to lead the world in clean energy manufacturing and research and development. In fact, with the commitment of the Paris climate agreement, it could be the largest domestic opportunity in all of American history.”
Jennifer Lopez one of the lovable celebs in the world
Image courtesy of Universal Music Greece via Wikimedia Commons.
Following Hurricane Maria, which devastated the northeastern Caribbean, Jennifer Lopez joined New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and announced a donation of $1 million to relief efforts. Famously born in the Bronx, Lopez is co-chairing the New York state recovery effort. The superstar’s parents are Puerto Rican, explaining her personal connection to the island which was still recovering from Hurricane Irma in 2005 when Maria hit earlier this year.
Steve Aoki
Image courtesy of Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons.
Following the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay shooting, DJ Steve Aoki contributed $200,000 to victims of the attack. Identifying himself as a local, he posted a Twitter video saying, “I love my city very, very much. What happened last week was devastating, to say the least.” Aoki’s donation comes on the heels of a challenge set by Diplo to contribute to the Las Vegas Victims fund. Focusing on the strength and community that come out of tragedy, Aoki went on to say, “I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support from around the world, especially all the people right here for their strength. I love you guys so much.”
Colin Kaepernick
Image courtesy of Timrock via Americanfootball.wikia.com.Colin Kaepernick’s free agent status has left him with a lot of time on his hands, but he’s been using it for good, promising $1 million to charity following his national anthem protest. Although controversy has followed the former football player since his decision to take a knee, it’s clear that Kaepernick wants to use his status and money to aid others. His charity’s mission is to “fight oppression of all kinds globally, through education and social activism.” See a comprehensive list of organizations Kaepernick has donated to on his website.
For more information on your favorite celebs and the causes they support, click here.
Written by DLX contributor Katie McRoberts.