Mary J. Blige Helps Raise $23 Million for Hurricane Sandy Relief

The music star joined a group of A-list performers for the telethon.

Mary J. Blige was among a list of powerhouse celebrities that lent their influence to the recent Hurricane Sandy telethon. Raising almost $23 million, Blige (a native New Yorker), Christina Aguilera and Tina Fey were just a few stars that made the East Coast victims of the storm a social priority. The American Red Cross is thankful and optimistic about the telethon's outcome, and clear about where the money is going.


"We are incredibly grateful and humbled by this outpouring support for those who are suffering as a result of Superstorm Sandy," said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the American Red Cross. "Our preliminary results of nearly $23 million raised are an extraordinary example of how American people pull together in times of disaster. Their generous donations will go directly to those in need and we urge the public to continue to give."


Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey also has been very vocal in garnering more celebrity support, using his Twitter account to reach out to the Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber and Bruce Springsteen. Funds donated to the Red Cross will go toward immediate emergency needs such as shelter, food and health services. The organization also helps feed emergency workers, communication dilemmas from people trying to reach family members near the disaster area and provides blood to victims.


"We're spreading a PSA right now to text 'REDCROSS' to 90999," Vinny Guadagnino, star of Jersey Shore, told MTV News last week. "You can donate like $10, and I think if a lot of people do that it will make impacts."