Hope for Haiti

By: Laura Elaine Uribe

There are moments in history in which people from all over the globe unite to make a difference.

Last Friday night was one of those nights.

It’s been estimated that over 16 million people in the country watched the “Hope for Haiti” benefit that aired on many major television networks like ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC and over $58 million was raised in donations.

Ever since the earthquake first hit the small country of Haiti over a week ago, millions have witnessed the horrifying and graphic scenes of devastation on their television screens and through images released on the web.

From destroyed buildings to the haunting cries of those injured and those whose loved ones passed or cannot be found, people can only stop, stare and wonder to themselves, what can I do to help?

It’s ironic how celebrities that people often scrutinize in the media or gossip about can suddenly become the somewhat-representatives to millions of ordinary Americans overnight.

 As a journalism student and fan of the performing arts, I have come to realize that as public figures, they really can make a difference since many entertainers can lend their voices to such causes and gain the massive amounts of attention that politicians and other world leaders can.

This is why I like George Clooney.

Say what you will about his career or his personal life, but one can’t deny the level of generosity he has when it comes to world issues and situations that need to be addressed, like Darfur.

It was Mr. Clooney himself that organized the very same benefit that aired on Friday.

Is he a politician? No.

Did he have to do it? No.

But he is a person just like anyone else who asked themselves the very important question of “What can I do to help?”

As it’s been acknowledged in recent interviews, he contacted over 100 media figures to take part in the two-hour telethon.

From Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift and Stephen Spielberg taking donation calls to Anderson Cooper and Leonardo DiCaprio discussing the donations and the horrific scenes and stories brought about by this disaster, everyone was working together to help a nation in peril.

Some of the night’s most memorable performance included cover versions of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” performed by Stevie Wonder and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” in a duet arranged and sung by Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris.

The $58 million raised won’t be enough to repair all the damage made and done emotionally, physically and mentally to survivors of the earthquake, with charities like the Red Cross, it can be certain that it will aid them in food and medicine supplies.

Although the two-hour star-filled event may be over, the call for action and awareness is not.

To donate, go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org, call 1-877-99-HAITI or purchase the “Hope for Haiti” Benefit Album on iTunes.