Though previous reports put the fundraising total for Scooter Braun and rapper Bun B's star-studded TV telethon at an impressive $44 million for the hurricane relief efforts, it appears that total was a little low.
New reports put the "Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief" one-hour TV special's fundraising total at more than $55 million in relief donations, thanks partly to the efforts of celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kings Of Leon, Joe Jonas, Gwen Stefani, and Justin Timberlake, among many others.
The funds will be distributed to a variety of charities, including Rebuild Texas Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Feeding Florida, Feeding Texas, Direct Relief, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, United Way of Greater Houston, United Way Irma Recovery Fund, and the Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief. Comic Relief USA is in charge of distributing the funding.
There's still time to donate for hurricane relief efforts, whether through benefits such as Hand In Hand or through the Recording Academy's own MusiCares hurricane relief efforts, which will provide services such as coverage of basic living expenses, medical expenses, clothing, instrument and recording equipment replacement, relocation costs, home repairs, debris removal, and more.
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