Hurricane Relief: All Five Living Former Presidents Came Together for the One America Appeal Concert
PHOTO: Rick Kern/Getty Images
A small, very exclusive club came together on stage to help raise money for hurricane relief at the “Deep From the Heart: the One America Appeal” concert at Texas A&M’s Reed Arena on Saturday night. All five living former presidents—Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter—made a rare joint appearance, their first since 2013 when they attended the dedication of George W. Bush’s presidential library in Dallas. (President Donald Trump didn’t make an in-person appearance, but sent a video message for the people at the concert.)
The ex-presidents started the One America Appeal in response to Hurricane Harvey and have since expanded to raise money for victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The organization’s proceeds go to help hurricane relief through several organizations: the Houston Harvey Relief Fund, Rebuild Texas Fund, Florida Disaster Fund, Unidos por Puerto Rico, and the Fund for the Virgin Islands. So far it’s raised $31 million.
“It’s important that those affected by these devastating storms know that even if the path to recovery feels like a road that goes on forever, we’re with them for the long haul,” George H.W. Bush said at the concert.
Carter told the crowd that Habitat for Humanity, which he’s worked with for 36 years, promised to build 6,000 homes in areas devastated by the storms and has about $80 million left to raise to meet its goal.
Clinton encouraged people to keep up America’s tradition of volunteerism: “We’ve been volunteering since before the Constitution, when Benjamin Franklin organized the first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia.”
President Trump thanked the former presidents for their leadership, “To presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Melania and I want to express our deep gratitude for your tremendous assistance. This wonderful effort reminds us that we truly are one nation under God, all unified by our values and our devotion to one another.”
On concert’s roster were Alabama, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Lee Greenwood, Sam Moore, Cassadee Pope, Yolanda Adams, Stephanie Quayle, and The Gatlins—and there was a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga. The pop star posted an Instagram with the caption, “It was an honor to be invited by these five living Presidents to perform and speak at this historic event where we put our differences aside, and put humanity first in the face of catastrophe. #OneAmericaAppeal”
It’s amazing to see these former presidents come together across party lines for a common cause—and encourage all of America to join forces to help those in need.
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