Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have donated $1 million to support relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have caused significant damage in states such as Florida and North Carolina. Milton has claimed the lives of at least seven people in Florida, while the death toll from the devastating Helene has surpassed 227.
Milton has since moved from Florida toward the Bahamas after causing extensive flooding and damaging the roof of Tampa’s Tropicana Field stadium, which was being used to house rescue workers. In a statement, CEO of Feeding America Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said,
“We thank Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for donating $1 million to our disaster relief fund for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Their longtime support of Feeding America in times of crisis has helped our network on the ground before, during and after disasters. These funds will help food banks provide basic needs like water, ready to eat food and supplies to communities facing heartbreaking loss and a long recovery.”
Previously, during the Israel-Hamas War, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds donated $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross. They were among the many celebrities who contributed to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation during the actors' strike.
Singer Taylor Swift had also donated $5 million to Feeding America. The organization expressed gratitude to Swift for her support in the fight against hunger and for assisting communities in need following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They emphasized that working together can significantly help families facing the challenges ahead.
Since Helene made landfall, Feeding America has sent over 140 truckloads of food, water, and other relief supplies to 11 food banks. Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on the night of October 9, 2024, near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, generating dozens of tornadoes, 28-foot waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and destructive storm surges.
Tom Brady and Dolly Parton also donated to Hurricane Milton's relief efforts
Football quarterback Tom Brady announced a $100,000 donation to relief efforts on October 10, 2024. In a statement on X, Brady encouraged people to keep those affected by the storms in their thoughts, to look out for their neighbors, and to help in any way they can. He also urged everyone in Florida to stay safe and strong.
Last week, singer Dolly Parton reportedly donated $1 million to Mountain Ways, an organization that offers immediate relief to East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and the Appalachian regions. The Dollywood Foundation and several other businesses matched her contribution.
Approximately 2.5 million homes and businesses in Florida have lost power, with the west-central region being the hardest hit. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that over 50,000 linemen have been deployed to help restore electricity.
All wind and storm surge warnings for Milton have been lifted following the hurricane's passage along Florida's east coast. However, the National Hurricane Center cautioned that hazards persist from damaged buildings, downed power lines, and floodwaters.
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K-12 schools in 19 of Florida’s 67 counties are scheduled to reopen on Friday after classes were canceled due to Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification and approach earlier this week. Nevertheless, schools in 34 counties have decided to remain closed, as reported by the Florida Department of Education.
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