Jennifer Lopez Is Donating $1 Million to Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief

Jennifer Lopez hurricane Puerto Rio
Instagram/jlo

From Hurricanes Harvey and Irma to the earthquake in Mexico and, now, Hurricane Maria, many people around the world are in urgent need of resources. Maria devastated Puerto Rico right after it was hit by Irma, and Jennifer Lopez is leading the charge to keep awareness and donations up.

The actress and singer has family in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory with more than 3.6 million residents. Much of the island is still without power and cell service, according to ABC News, meaning many people are still wondering if their loved ones are OK.

puerto rico maria photo
Getty Images | Alex Wroblewski

On Sunday, Lopez and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo joined together to announce support for Puerto Rico, the New York Daily News reports. Together they called on Americans, along with our federal government, to step up to help our fellow citizens.

Her ex-husband Marc Anthony, with whom she shares children Max and Emme, joined the pleas for help, along with her current partner, former New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez.

Lopez said:

Given the loss and devastation, we need to pay attention and to urgently support Puerto Rico and the Caribbean with donations and contributions. Alex Rodriguez and I, who are both New Yorkers, are utilizing all of our resources and relationships in entertainment, sports and business to garner support for Puerto Rican and Caribbean relief efforts.

Watch Lopez’s remarks in this video she posted to Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZeKWStlhvW/?taken-by=jlo

Lopez pledged a huge personal contribution to a round of applause, saying, “I will be donating $1 million from the proceeds of my Las Vegas show to the designated beneficiary charitable and NGO organizations.”

Cuomo thanked Lopez for lending her voice, and donation, to the cause via Twitter.

The Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort page lists places accepting donations for hurricane relief, including the American Red Cross, the Hispanic Federation and the organization under the guidance of the first lady of Puerto Rico.

It also includes organizations you can sign up to volunteer with, such as the Red Cross, and supply drop-off locations if you live in New York.

In Good Company

Lopez isn’t the only celebrity using her platform for good during this difficult time for Puerto Rico.

Singer Ricky Martin, who is from Puerto Rico, said he still hasn’t been able to contact one of his brothers. Martin says he’s already donated $100,000 “to provide the basic needs and rebuild all that was lost” to a YouCaring page he organized.

In a video posted on Twitter, Martin asks his Twitter followers to donate anything at all, even just $1 if that’s all that’s possible. “Puerto Rico needs you at the moment,” he says.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the Broadway show “Hamilton,” has been urging people to donate.

La La Anthony posted a video on her Instagram page, sharing that she is also waiting to hear from her family. Anthony, a reality star, actress and former MTV VJ, implores people to join her in donating to the relief efforts. Anthony said she partnered with UnitedForPuertoRico.com, which is the organization under the guidance of the first lady of Puerto Rico.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZcvXS6nml9/

Additionally, all five living former presidents joined together to launch the One America Appeal after Hurricane Harvey, and they’ve expanded it to help those affected by Irma and Maria as well.

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About the Author
Haley Otman
Haley Otman is a news and features writer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she roots for the University of Michigan Wolverines. A former broadcast news producer, Haley has 10 years of writing experience and has worked in both journalism and public relations.

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