Philadelphia funnyman Kevin Hart got serious in a challenge to support people impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey and he hopes some celebrity friends join him.
In a video (warning: the video contains profanity) posted to Instagram, the stand-up comic and actor dedicated $25,000 to the American Red Cross’ Harvey relief effort.
"Serious moment right now… this (is) unbelievable," Hart says.
Hart, who grew up in Philly and attended George Washington High School, challenges fellow comic actors Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld as well as TV/radio host Steve Harvey, musical couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé, actor/singer Justin Timberlake and actor/wrestler The Rock to pony up funds as well.
"I’m challenging a lot of my celebrity friends to follow my lead," Hart says.
The Rock responded with an Instagram video of his own and announced he is donating $25,000 to Harvey relief and asked others to do the same.
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Hart calls the situation on Texas’ Gulf Coast and in Houston, where feet of rain have fallen and caused dangerous flooding, "a serious matter" where people need help. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner thanked Hart during a Monday morning news conference for raising awareness about giving.
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Also Sunday, country star Chris Young announced on Twitter that he has started an online fundraiser for the Red Cross and donated $100,000 to it. The campaign had taken in an additional $50,000 by midday Monday.
Drake wrote on Instagram early Monday that he and his manager were working with local relief groups to help Texas affected by the hurricane. The Canadian rapper wrote that Houston "has truly been a home to me over the last 8 years."
While only a few stars announced donations to flood relief efforts, many have used their massive social media followings to encourage people to give what they can.
Katy Perry, who boasts Twitter's largest following at more than 103 million, urged viewers to donate while she hosted MTV's Video Music Awards on Sunday night, and she tweeted a link to the Red Cross' donation efforts.
You can get information on helping the Red Cross’ relief efforts by clicking here.
