Anais Gutierrez
Bruno Mars is donating $1 million from his Michigan concert to aid those affected by the Flint water crisis. The singer shared the news on Saturday, during a concert in nearby Auburn Hills.
The Hawaiian singer continues on his ’24K Magic World Tour.’ Recently, his latest album ’24K’ recently achieved double platinum status.
Turning some of the ’24k Magic’ into miracle
Bruno Mars donated $1 million to help Flint residents who have been exposed to lead-contaminated water.
The Grammy-winning star told the audience at his show in Auburn Hills, about 30 miles from Detroit, that he and tour promoter Live Nation are redirecting funds from the show to the charity The Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
“I’m very thankful to the Michigan audience for joining me in supporting this cause,” Mars said in a statement.
“Ongoing challenges remain years later for Flint residents. It’s important that we don’t forget our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster.”
After an eruption of cheers and applause, Mars said,
“This is why we love what we do. We get a chance to go up on stage every night and perform …”
“And the fact that we can show up here and celebrate under one roof together, all this positive energy that’s flowing. This is the world we want to live in.”
The singer also
Mars kicked off the second leg of his “24K Magic World Tour” on July 15. The North American run wraps on Nov. 11 with four nights at the Forum in Inglewood.
Coming together to help
“With a grateful heart, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is honored to accept this inspiring donation,” President and CEO Isaiah M. Oliver said in a statement.
“We know Bruno Mars’ $1 million gift will be transformative to the children and families of Flint. He understands the issues faced by Flint citizens. We are touched by his concern and generosity.”
The Flint water crisis has affected the city since 2014 when the city switched drinking water sources from Detroit water to the Flint River.
The water was not properly treated and corroding pipes leaked lead, causing elevated lead levels and contaminating the water that was exposed to thousands of people in the city.
Elevated levels of lead, a neurotoxin, were detected in children, and 12 people died in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that experts suspect was linked to the improperly treated water.
Mars isn’t the first celebrity to offer Flint residents a helping hand. Cher, Big Sean, Pearl Jam, Meek Mill, Matt Damon, Jimmy Fallon, Eminem, and NFL player Brandon Carr have previously made donations of money and bottled water.
Source: Michigan Radio
