One America Appeal facts for kids
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| Founded | September 7, 2017 |
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| Founders | Jimmy Carter George H. W. Bush Bill Clinton George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Focus | Recovery efforts for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria |
| Location | |
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Area served
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Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Method | Donations |
The One America Appeal was a special group created to help people. It was started on September 7, 2017. All five former U.S. Presidents who were alive at the time worked together. These presidents were Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
This group first wanted to help people after Hurricane Harvey. Later, they also helped areas hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The presidents launched their appeal with a PSA. This was a short video shown during a NFL game.
All the money collected went into a special fund. This fund was managed by the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation. The money was then given out to help people affected by the hurricanes. By October 21, 2017, the group had raised $31 million. More than 80,000 people had donated. The fundraising ended on December 31, 2017. In total, they raised $41.3 million from about 110,500 donors.
Contents
Helping Hurricane Victims
The One America Appeal was formed to help people recover from big hurricanes. These storms caused a lot of damage in different parts of the United States. The goal was to raise money quickly to support those in need.
Why the Presidents Teamed Up
It was very special to see all five former presidents work together. They put aside their political differences. They wanted to show that Americans can unite during tough times. Their teamwork encouraged many people to donate.
Benefit Concert for Relief
A special concert was held to raise more money. It was called "Deep from the Heart: The One America Appeal." The concert took place on October 21, 2017. It was at Reed Arena in College Station.
Concert Performers and Guests
All five former U.S. Presidents attended the concert. They were the main guests. Many famous musicians also performed. These included the country band Alabama, Sam Moore, Yolanda Adams, Lyle Lovett, and Robert Earl Keen.
Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance. She sang some of her popular songs. The Texas A&M University Singing Cadets also performed. They sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other patriotic songs. A video message from then-President Donald Trump was also shown. He praised the efforts of the appeal.
Where Donations Went
The money collected by the One America Appeal was given to several organizations. These groups were already working to help people in the affected areas. They made sure the funds reached those who needed them most.
- Houston Harvey Relief Fund
- Rebuild Texas Fund
- Florida Disaster Fund
- Juntos y unidos por Puerto Rico
- The Fund for the Virgin Islands
Founding Presidents
Five former U.S. Presidents started the One America Appeal in 2017. They used their influence to bring attention to the hurricane relief efforts. George H.W. Bush passed away on November 30, 2018.
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