Robert Trujillo & His Metallica Band Mates Donate $100,000 to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

Robert Trujillo and his Metallica band mates helping Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The 59-year-old half-Mexican American musician, who has been the bassist for heavy metal band Metallica since 2003, and his band mates have announced that their All Within My Hands Foundation has donated $50,000 each to the World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon.

MetallicaThe funds will be used to aid their relief efforts as residents from Florida to Virginia clean up in the wake of the third-deadliest storm since 2000.

The death toll at press time was 227, but experts expect it to rise as they continue recovery efforts.

“Over the past week, Hurricane Helene has left a 500-mile path of destruction throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee in its wake,” the band wrote on X. “It is an unmitigated tragedy, with over 215 lives lost and hundreds of people still unaccounted for. Historic water levels and widespread flooding across the Appalachians have left hundreds of roads inaccessible, hindering rescue efforts.”

According to the band, World Central Kitchen’s efforts so far include bringing in food and water to isolated communities using helicopters and airboats, while partnering with 35 food trucks in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee and 16 restaurants in North Carolina and Tennessee, which has already provided tens of thousands of hot meals and sandwiches to families in need.

WCK has also deployed water tanks capable of delivering 100,000 gallons of potable water per day to communities in hard-hit Asheville, N.C., where residents have been without fresh water since the storm dumped an unprecedented amount of rain on the town where more than 100 people have been confirmed dead so far. At press time officials were still not sure when water service will be restored in the city, with some estimates suggesting it could be several weeks, or more before residents can turn their taps on again to cook, shower and flush toilets.

Disaster response NGO Team Rubicon is working with state and federal emergency response agencies to provide immediate disaster relief. “More than 140 Greyshirts (Team Rubicon volunteers) comprise five recon teams serving more than 35 communities across the affected area,” read a statement from the band. “These route clearance teams have already cleared more than 400 dump trucks worth of debris and continue to work diligently across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.”

Metallica join several other acts who’ve made major pledges to help, including Dolly Parton, who donated $1 million of her own money to help relief efforts, as well as another $1 million through her various business entities, including Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Stampede to help the affected areas recover from the storm that led to massive destruction across several states, including washing out bridges and roads, leaving some communities inaccessible. “I look around and I think, ‘These are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers…these are my people, and this is my home…I just want you to know, I am totally with you, I am part of you, I love you,” Parton said in a statement.

In addition, fellow country singer Morgan Wallen has donated $500,000 to the Red Cross‘ hurricane relief efforts through his Morgan Wallen Foundation. “My family in East Tennessee are safe, but I know many are absolutely devastated there and in multiple states,” Wallen said in a statement. “All my prayers are geared toward those tonight. Those hills and hollers are very important to me in so many ways. It is going to take a monumental effort, and I am in contact with my team and others working on ways I can help.”

North Carolina natives Luke Combs and Eric Church have also posted on social media that they are looking for ways to contribute to the relief efforts. Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has donated $100,000 to help animals impacted by the hurricane and Sturgill Simpson announced a one-off October 21 benefit show at the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, N.C. with proceeds earmarked for the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.

Demi Lovato to Perform at 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala

Demi Lovato is helping supports ick Los Angeles children…

The 32-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress will perform at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala on Saturday, October 5, at The Event Deck at LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles.

Demi Lovato The biannual Gala raises funds to support the hospital’s mission.

“Children’s Hospital Los Angeles holds a very special place in my heart,” Lovato said in a statement. “Over the years, it’s been my personal honor to meet so many families in their care and witness first-hand the compassion and brilliance of their staff. Creating hope and building healthier futures is at the heart of their mission, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate and support that at this memorable event.”

Lovato has notched eight top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including Here We Go Again, which debuted at No. 1 in 2009. She has also had four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, topped by “Sorry Not Sorry,” which reached No. 6 in 2017.

Her awards include an MTV Video Music Award for “Skyscraper” and two Grammy nods.

Chuck Lorre, Bernadette and Sugar Ray Leonard, and AEG will each receive the Courage to Care Award for their humanitarian efforts at CHLA and beyond.

Lorre is one of the most successful producers in TV history, with such smash hits as Two and Half Men, The Big Bang Theory and Mom. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2012.

Actor Jon Cryer, one of the stars of Two and a Half Men, and his wife, actress and producer Lisa Joyner, will co-host the event. Kaley Cuoco, one of the stars of The Big Bang Theory, will serve as a presenter, along with actor Jamie Lee Curtis (a past winner of the Courage to Care award), actor Colin Hanks and radio broadcaster

This year’s honorary co-chairs are Jimmy Kimmel and wife Molly McNearny, and Kristin and Jeffrey Worthe. Kimmel and McNearny both won Primetime Emmys earlier in September for their work on the 2024 Oscars, which was voted outstanding variety special (live). Kimmel won as host; McNearny as an executive producer.

Justina Machado & Her “One Day at a Time” Cast Mates Reuniting for Special Charity Table Read

Justina Machado is taking it one (more) day at a time

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican actress and her One Day at a Time cast mates are reuniting to support democracy and honor the legacy of Norman Lear.

Justina Machado, One Day at a TimeThe cast and executive producers of the Lear-created series will reunite for a special charity table read of never-before-seen episodes from Season 4 of the Netflix series.

All proceeds will go to People For The American Way Foundation, an organization co-founded by Lear that is committed to defending our freedoms.

The comedy series’ former producer, Sandi Hochman, and executive producers, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Mike Royce and Brent Miller are producing the event, which will be held on Saturday, October 5 at 2:00 pm at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood.

The entire cast will participate, including Machado as “Penelope,” Rita Moreno as “Lydia,” Stephen Tobolowsky as “Dr. Berkowitz,” Todd Grinnell as “Schneider,” Isabella Gomez as “Elena,” Marcel Ruiz as “Alex,” India de Beaufort as “Avery,” Sheridan Pierce as “Syd” and Ed Quinn as “Max.”

Stage direction will be read by co-showrunner and executive producer, Calderón Kellett.

The cast will be reading season four episodes titled, “Church and Statement,” written by Sebastian Jones, “Best Birthday,” written by Vincent Brown & Dan Signer and the series finale “Dreams,” written by Sebastian Jones & Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz.

“Reuniting our One Day at a Time cast to bring these unaired, unshot episodes to life – including what would have been our series finale – is a powerful reminder of the magic of Norman Lear and his work,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce. “It was an honor to bring this Latine family to the screen, and this reading is not just a celebration, but a chance to connect with our incredible fans once more and support a cause close to our hearts, People For The American Way Foundation, another of Norman’s brainchildren. Together, we honor Norman’s legacy, our beloved show and a community that has always supported us.”

One Day at A Time, is a critically acclaimed comedy-drama inspired by Lear’s 1975 series of the same name.

Produced by Sony Pictures Television, seasons 1-3 launched on Netflix and are currently streaming. In 2019 the series found a new home for its fourth season at Pop TV amid fans rallying behind the show.

“Norman Lear was brilliant at portraying loving families of all kinds, and he was adamant that all kinds of families, all kinds of Americans, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and share in the blessings of liberty,” said People For the American Way Foundation President Svante Myrick. “We are grateful to the producers and cast of One Day at a Time for helping People For the American Way Foundation carry on Norman’s work of defending our democracy and ensuring that ‘We, the People’ includes all the people.”

Tickets for the event are on sale here.

Feid Launches His Own Foundation, Fundación GOOD KIDZ

Feid is giving back to the community…

Earlier this week, the 31-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and record producer shared a new Instagram profile called “Fundación GOOD KIDZ” on his IG stories, which all hints that its the start of his own foundation.

FeidThe foundation—which has garnered over 25K followers in its first week and only follows Feid—shared its first post, showing one of its first efforts.

“This young forest that we planted last weekend in collaboration with @CasaMadreRaiz is the beginning of many projects to come. Join us to promote culture, nature and well-being,” read the caption.

Fat Joe Partners with Food for the Poor to Create New Relief Fund to Uplift Haiti

Fat Joe is helping the people of Haiti…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American rapper, a long-time advocate for humanitarian causes, has announced a new partnership with international charity Food for the Poor to create a new relief fund to uplift Haiti, which is currently undergoing political and economic strife due to the surge in violence within the country.

Fat Joe“My heart goes out to all the Haitians that are suffering because of this humanitarian crisis. Many of my close friends are Haitian, so we’ve been watching this tragedy unfold and exploring the most efficient and effective ways to provide meaningful support,” Fat Joe tells Billboard. “All relief items and financial contributions will go directly to Food for the Poor so they can safely distribute the donations directly to the families in need.” 

Titled Fat Joe & Friends Relief for Haiti, relief items needed include new and unused portable mattresses, pillows, blankets, diapers, underwear, soap/body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs/brushes, solar-powered lanterns, fuel-efficient cooking stoves, mosquito nets, reusable water containers and more.

Since early March, armed gangs have taken over the country, burning down police stations and closing down the airport and the capital, Port-au-Prince. Both the airport and port remain closed during this time. In addition, the armed gangs raided two of the country’s biggest prisons, freeing more than 4,000 inmates.

Through late March, 1,500 people were killed and 800 injured during these vicious attacks. In addition, according to the United Nations, more than 50,000 people have fled the country because of the rampant attacks.

If you’d like to donate to the fund, click here.

Noel Schajris Joins Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Latin Grammy in the Schools Program

Noel Schajris is helping the next generation of musicians…

The 49-year-old Argentine-Mexican singer, songwriter and pianist has joined Latin Grammy in the Schools, an educational program by the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation that connects music students with key players in the Latin music industry, and supports music departments with financial limitations.

Noel SchajrisThis week, Schajris visited Overton High School in Memphis, TN, where he’ll invest $40,000 in its Creative and Performing Arts Program, including the donation of musical instruments.

“We all know how important art is and what music is in our lives; In my personal case it has been the lifesaver, the friend, the love and even the doctor in many important moments,” he expressed in a press statement. “How important is this invitation from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to share with those who will undoubtedly carry that torch of hope; the kids, the new generations.”

Schajris experienced chart-topping success as part of the duo Sin Bandera until he and fellow singer and songwriter Leonel García concluded their partnership in 2007.

Colman Domingo Appointed to The Gotham Film & Media Institute Board of Directors

Colman Domingo is Gotham bound…

The 54-year-old Belizean-Guatemalan American actor, who recently earned his first-ever Oscar nod, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Gotham Film & Media Institute.

Colman DomingoAs the newest member, he’ll work with The Gotham on their mission to celebrate and nurture independent film and media creators by providing career-building resources, access to industry influencers, and pathways to wider recognition.

Domingo joins a board that includes Focus Features Vice Chairman Jason Cassidy and multi-hyphenate Riley Keough, whose additions were announced in November.

Other members include Nancy Abraham, Anthony Bregman, Jeb Brody, Gerry Byrne, Alina Cho, Dan Crown, Mark D’Arcy (Director Emeritus), Amy Emmerich, Philipp Engelhorn, Kai Falkenberg, James Janowitz, Franklin Leonard, Stephanie March, Soledad O’Brien, Dee Poku, Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar, John Schmidt, Lisa Taback, Teddy Schwarzman, Drew Wilson, and Celia Winchester.

“As long-time admirers of Colman’s brilliant acting and dedication to giving back to our community through mentorship and education, we are thrilled to welcome him to The Gotham’s extraordinary Board of Directors,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham. “We know that his experience, vision, and undeniable dedication to the craft of filmmaking will help us nurture independent creators and propel the industry to new heights.”

Stated Domingo: “With its rich history of elevating original voices and supporting independent film, I couldn’t be more excited to dive into my work with The Gotham. I look forward to working alongside some of the most influential and passionate people in film as we champion independent creatives and the stories they strive to share with the world.”

In George C. Wolfe’s Rustin, from Netflix and the Obamas’ Higher Ground, Domingo portrays Bayard Rustin, the activist who helped change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington, confronting racism and homophobia all along the way. This awards season, he also can be seen portraying the menacing Mister in Blitz Bazawule’s new take on The Color Purple for Warner Bros & Amblin.

One of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Domingo is best known for his Emmy-winning performance as recovering drug addict Ali on HBO’s Euphoria, as well as for starring on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead. In addition to Ethan Coen’s comedic caper Drive-Away Dolls, out February 23 via Focus Features, he’ll next be seen in A24’s drama Sing Sing and Netflix limited series The Madness.

Also active as a director and producer, Domingo was in Sundance this past week in support of It’s What’s Inside, the Greg Jardin horror film snapped up by Netflix in a massive $17M deal, on which he’s an EP.

Eugenio Derbez Makes Donation to Hurricane-Impacted Acapulco Communities

Eugenio Derbez is offering support to the hurricane-ravaged Mexican city of Acapulco.

The 62-year-old Mexican actor, comedian and producer and the producers of his Apple TV+ series Acapulco, produced by Lionsgate TV and 3Pas Studios, are sending messages of support and a donation for humanitarian assistance to the titular Mexican city that was recently devasted by Hurricane Otis.

Eugenio Derbez“Acapulco is a very special place to me,” said series star and executive producer Derbez to Deadline. “Growing up I spent every summer there. Its energy, vitality and exuberance made a lifelong impression on me and was an inspiration for our show. My heart is breaking at what the hurricane has done to my beloved community, but I stand united with its people and know that its spirit will never be broken,” he added.

Hurricane Otis made landfall on the coastal city in the state of Guerrero as a massive Category 5 on October 25, becoming the strongest hurricane to hit Mexico’s Pacific Coast area.

According to multiple reports, the death toll stands at least 45 people with another 47 still unaccounted for. The area has been additionally devastated by a major loss of communication, nearly 300k homes that were damaged. and destroyed as well as hospitals and hotels.

“Our Acapulco family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Otis,” said the show’s producers in a joint statement. “On behalf of the cast, crew, executive producers and the entire Acapulco team, our thoughts and prayers go out to the brave people of Acapulco. We know that the same indomitable spirit, energy and resilience that our show celebrates will prevail as the city begins to rebuild. We are making a donation to Direct Relief for humanitarian assistance and will continue to help in any way we can.”

Direct Relief is working on the ground to support the efforts financially and medically by deploying medical doctors to the area, among other ways both pre and post-Otis.

Evelyn Salgado Pineda, Governor of the State of Guerrero, is using X (formerly known as Twitter) to share updates on relief and recovery efforts in Acapulco. Earlier today, she revealed that 75 percent of electricity had been restored and work continues to keep the number growing. The government of the state is actively providing food and nourishment for locals and clean water. Salgado Pineda also shared her appreciation for everyone who has donated following the tragedy.

Tata Calderón Donates Replica Helmet to Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation Auction

Tatiana “Tata” Calderón has joined forces with Karol G for an important cause.

The 30-year-old professional race car driver has donated a replica of the helmet she wore during the 2022 Formula 2 season to benefit Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation.

Tata Calderon, Karol GDesigned by the Con Cora Foundation and signed by Karol G, the helmet “symbolizes the unity and success of women who, through their hard work, are positively influencing the lives of many more women,” according to a press statement.

Tata Calderon, Karol G

Currently on display at the paddock of the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2023, the helmet is designed with Karol G signature barbed heart, a butterfly representing “Tata,” and the Colombian flag.

The auction will take place from November 17-30 on the Bonhams Cars platform.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/234592002711711

Alejandro Fernández to Donate Portion of NYC Concert Proceeds to Help Newly-Arrived Asylum Seekers

Alejandro Fernández is helping support asylum seekers New York.

The 52-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter will donate a portion of proceeds from his October 14 concert at The Theater at Madison Square Garden to help newly-arrived asylum seekers in the Northeast state.

Alejandro FernándezLive Nation, the promoter behind Fernandez’s 2023 U.S. Amor Y Patria Tour, will be matching the donation. The New York Immigration Coalition will receive the funds in recognition of their efforts in helping the families upon arriving to the city.

“To our Latino community and families in New York, my heart is with you … you are a part of all of us,” Fernández said in a statement. “I can only imagine how hard these times are as you seek a safe place for you and your families in a foreign land. You have my support wherever you are.”

“We are immensely grateful to Alejandro Fernández for his generosity in uplifting the needs of New York’s newest arrivals to a global audience,” said Murad Awawdeh, executive director, New York Immigration Coalition. “His humanitarian action unites Latinos across continents, as well as recognizes the challenges faced by all those fleeing violence and persecution in search of safety and opportunity in new and unfamiliar lands. His support and the matching contribution from Live Nation will ensure that the New York Immigration Coalition can continue to advocate for and serve the needs of asylum seekers in New York City and across the state.”

It’s not the first time the Mexican music icon gives back to immigrant families.

His top-grossing 2021 Hecho En México Tour served as a fundraiser for Families Belong Together. The organization received over $100,000 from the tour proceeds to assist immigrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Fernández’s Amor Y Patria Tour, for which he’ll be joined by his son Alex Fernández, is set to kick off September 8 in Sacramento, Calif., and will visit major cities such as Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Atlanta before wrapping up the tour in Miami on October 22.