- Oprah donated $2 million to Puerto Rico's Hispanic Federation and Flamboyan Arts Fund to help the island's post-hurricane recovery efforts.
- In January, she and Gayle traveled to Puerto Rico for a fundraising production of Hamilton.
Puerto Rico has not been forgotten.
Two years after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017—a storm that caused nearly 3,000 deaths plus billions of dollars in losses—celebrities like Oprah are leading the charge on the island’s efforts to rebuild.
On Monday, the Hispanic Federation and the Flamboyan Arts Fund shared that Oprah has donated $2 million ($1 million for each organization) for revitalization efforts in Puerto Rico. Earlier this year, Oprah and Gayle flew to Puerto Rico for a production of Hamilton, one of nearly two dozen performances hosted to raise awareness about the devastating aftermath of the Hurricane—and the lack of government support its received since.
“I was so moved by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s commitment to bring Hamilton to Puerto Rico and support the community that served him growing up that I wanted to join in the revitalization efforts of an island so rich in culture, beauty, and heritage,” Oprah said in a statement.
She continued, “The needs of Puerto Rico and our fellow American citizens following the tragic hurricanes are still very real, and the work that has already been done by the Hispanic Federation, Flamboyan Arts Fund and other organizations on and off the island is long from over.”
In partnership with Miranda Family, Flamboyan Foundation, and Hamilton, the Flamboyan Arts Fund has raised $14.75 million for artists in Puerto Rico, while the Hispanic Federation has so far raised $43 million for local rebuilding efforts.
To donate to relief efforts in Puerto Rico, check out organizations like All Hands and Hearts, Donate Puerto Rico, Habitat for Humanity, and United for Puerto Rico.
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