Celebrities are finding ways to give back to Tennessee after tornadoes touched down in Nashville and nearby counties early Tuesday (March 3) morning.
Taylor Swift announced that she had made a donation to Middle Tennessee Emergency Fund, and encouraged her fans do the same.
“Nashville is my home and the fact that so many people have lost their homes and so much more in Middle Tennessee is devastating to me,” she wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “I’ve made a donation to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.”
Tay didn’t say how much, but her publicist, Tree Paine, told NBC News that the “Lover” singer donated the very generous amount of $1 Million.
Many other country stars have also been giving back.
Chris Young announced that he would be donating $50,000 to Music City Inc. Foundation.
“My heart goes out to everyone who lost friends or family last night. It’s devastating to see photos this morning of the city I call home,” he tweeted, adding, “I don’t even recognize some of the locations it’s so bad… to help I’m donating $50,000 to the Music City Inc Foundation. If you want to help feel free to visit the site here https://visitmusiccity.com/nashvillestrong #NashvilleStrong.”
Dan + Shay have pledged $100,000 to tornado relief funds. According to Taste of Country, their donation went to Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Dierks Bentley revealed that he’s donating to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to help the families impacted by the disaster.
Kacey Musgraves partnered up with Stage To Closet to raise funds for tornado relief efforts.
I’m having a MAJOR CLOSET SALE TONIGHT @stagetocloset 💜 Sooo many of my everyday clothes, shoes, accessories, and performance looks you’ve seen (like this vintage 2 piece set I’m wearing here) are up for grabs. Proceeds originally were going toward Tennessee Forest Preservation but one light of the tragic events that unfolded earlier this week I will now be donating proceeds to the victims of the awful tornado that just destroyed Nashville and surrounding areas. Head to @stagetocloset for all the deets and send them a DM for a chance to purchase. They’ll get back to you when they can. There’s been an overwhelming response to the sale so please stay patient and know I’m so thankful for your help! New items could possibly be added too so check back often,” she announced on Instagram.
Scotty McReery also announced he will donate “every dime” of the event’s merchandise sales from his upcoming show at The Ryman to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s emergency response fund.
“Heartbroken to hear the news outta Nashville this morning,” he wrote on Instagram. “Grateful all of my friends made it out ok, but also grieving with everyone who has experienced such unbelievable loss over night • I’m super fortunate to be headlining @TheRyman next Wednesday night. To help with relief, every dime we make off merch that night will be donated to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s emergency response fund. Nashville is one of the strongest and most resilient communities there is. Can’t wait to see yall next Wednesday!”
Other stars have also found other ways to give back.
Cassadee Pope put in time and effort to help clean up some of the devastated areas in East Nashville.
“Just got back from cleaning up in East Nashville and the devastation is surreal. It was uplifting, however, to see so many people in the community helping, whether it was clearing people’s yards of branches and debris, or offering bagged lunches and water. I met this sweet woman and we decided to buddy up and tackle a few yards together. It’s just a small example of what kind of place this is. We’re a family,” she shared on Instagram.
The Nashville Predators and The Grilled Cheeserie even gave out free food – the Predators served up pizza, and the food truck gave out sandwiches.
Stay strong, Nashville. Our prayers go out to everyone affected by the storm.
