Celebrities Who are Leading Irma Recovery Efforts

Image: PHOTO: Celebrities and athletes are stepping up to bring aid and relief to destinations impacted by Hurricane Irma. (photo via Flickr/DFID-UK Department for International Development)
Image: PHOTO: Celebrities and athletes are stepping up to bring aid and relief to destinations impacted by Hurricane Irma. (photo via Flickr/DFID-UK Department for International Development)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 2:07 PM ET, Tue September 12, 2017

Hurricane Irma has devastated parts of the Caribbean and the Southeast U.S.

However, much like the massive response to Hurricane Harvey last month, the reaction to Irma's wrath has been star-studded, with celebrities stepping up, doing their part and using their influence to help raise funds and rebuild reeling tourist havens.

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Last week, Oscar winner Robert De Niro vowed to help revive the Caribbean island of Barbuda, which was devastated when Irma made a direct hit as a Category 5 storm.

De Niro and business partner James Packer recently purchased the island's K Club Resort and are in the process of renovating it into the Paradise Found Nobu Resort, according to Deadline.com.

"We are beyond saddened to learn of the devastation in Barbuda caused from Hurricane Irma and look forward to working with the Paradise Found Nobu Resort team, the Barbuda Council, GOAB and the entire Barbuda community to successfully rebuild what nature has taken away from us." De Niro said in a statement.

In the U.S., actress Kristen Bell stopped by an Orlando shelter over the weekend to help cheer up Irma victims with some of her most beloved songs from the hit animated film "Frozen."

Bell also secured a hotel room at the Walt Disney World resort for co-star and fellow actor Josh Gad's parents.

Meanwhile, "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds reached out to his millions of Twitter followers in hopes of raising money for hurricane relief.

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney has also pledged to rebuild areas impacted by Irma.

According to ABC News, Chesney established the Love for Love City Foundation over the weekend after losing his home on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"It's just simply gone," Chesney told HLN's Morning Express with Robin Meade, referring to his property. "That place and the people mean so much more to me than my house...it's just devastation. It's really odd to see such a beautiful place look like a war zone."

Chesney is requesting donations from fans and said he's currently working on new music aimed at raising funds for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Elsewhere in the U.S. Virgin Islands, NBA legend Tim Duncan-who was born and grew up on St. Croix-has pledged a $250,000 contribution as well as to match all donations up to the first $1 million.

"I'm blown away by it," said Duncan during a news conference in San Antonio over the weekend via ESPN. "In this day and age, it's a little easier to reach a lot of people, and people have come out from everywhere. I've looked down the list of donors, and I've recognized some names. I've gotten support from the Spurs, H-E-B and the food bank-all across the board. It's just been an amazing response."

Nearby, billionaire and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has called on his Virgin Unite foundation to raise money to help rebuild the British Virgin Islands, where his Necker Island abode sustained significant damage from Irma.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Full Caribbean Tourism and Infrastructure Recovery Report[/READMORE]

Former U.S. Presidents have also joined the effort to aid hurricane victims across the South, urging Americans to donate to hurricane relief through One America Appeal.

As officials continue to assess the damage left in Irma's wake, it's likely more celebrities will lend their star power and massive audiences to hurricane victims and the hallowed destinations that have been ravaged by Mother Nature.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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