As Americans across the country donate their time, energy, and money to relief efforts for the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, celebrities are donating their time and money in more ostentatious ways to benefit the victims of the tragedy.
Madonna concluded her Drowned World tour with a series of concerts from the Staples Center, from which all proceeds went to the victims of the attacks. Dressed in an American flag kilt and speaking as an American mother, Madonna encouraged her 20,000-member audience to promote peace and resolution and to keep the world safe for their children. Madonna also led a prayer urging President Bush to use restraint in responding to the attacks on the US.
Fans of the many celebrities participating in the relief efforts have praised them for their generosity.
"This summer I went to see Madonna and it's nice to know that the last leg of her concert is being donated to relief funds," sophomore Megan Sullivan said. "I think it's nice for everyone to see that celebrities are making efforts to help out the victims and their families just as much as everyone else."
Nineteen-year-old pop star Britney Spears is planning to donate $1 of every ticket sold for her upcoming fall tour to the children of firefighters and police officers killed in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition, Spears is planning on selling merchandise and auctioning off front-row seats to raise additional funds. Her ultimate fundraising goal is $ 2 million dollars.
Michael Jackson has already announced that he is kicking off a relief program similar to the "We Are the World" campaign against starvation in Africa. Pop stars Destiny's Child, Mya, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake of 'NSync, and Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys are all slated to record a song entitled "What More Can I Give," to aid victims of the attacks. According to Jackson's New York spokesman, the song will be released soon, and more pop stars are lined up to participate in the recording. Jackson hopes to raise $50 million through sales of the record.
Rosie O'Donnell has also turned her attentions to aiding charities that are vital to rebuilding after the attacks. O'Donnell, who tapes her highly-rated talk show in New York City, has donated one million dollars to the American Red Cross to help last Tuesday's victims.
The list of celebrities donating their time and financial resources to victims of the attacks is made longer by a benefit created jointly by NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox. "America: A Tribute to Heroes" will air Friday night from 9-11 pm on those four networks and on any additional television or radio networks that wish to join the effort.
This past Tuesday, organizers confirmed that actors Amy Brenneman, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Calista Flockhart, Dennis Franz, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Conan O'Brien, Ray Romano, Julia Roberts, Will Smith, Sela Ward, and Robin Williams would be participating in the Friday night benefit. The musicians who will lend their support to the event include Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Faith Hill, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, and Bon Jovi.
"I think it's a great idea," sophomore Bobby Dutton said of the benefit. "It's nice to see that they're spending money on something worthwhile rather than stuff they've got more than enough of." Dutton will be donating his own time and talent at a fundraiser this weekend, where he will be DJ-ing for free.
The benefit represents the first time the four networks have agreed to air the same program simultaneously. The networks will each contribute to paying for the event, while all of the stars are donating their time. Network executives have not yet decided if they will establish individual relief organizations for victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Some celebrities are reaching out through their television shows. Oprah Winfrey, noted for her commitment to charity and her interest in personal healing, has devoted all of her shows this week to the aftermath of the attack on America. Shows have ranged from guidance in explaining the acts of terrorism to children to a session with life strategist Dr. Phil McGraw, who devoted this week's appearance to the grieving process.
In a step away from their usual formats, kings of late night David Letterman and Jay Leno returned to the airwaves this past Monday with shows that were more informative than comical. Leno kicked off his first show back by recalling the bravery of rescue workers and tragic losses of the past week. His guest, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), commented on US foreign policy in the aftermath of the attacks.
Letterman's show was equally somber as he skipped his usual monologue and Top Ten list and interviewed a very emotional Dan Rather this past Monday night.
"I think it's good that celebrities are using the advantages they have to benefit the victims and I think it's representative of how this tragedy has brought the entire country together," sophomore Mike Ciacciarelli said.
