Singer Bruno Mars had a surprise announcement at his sold-out concert in Michigan Saturday —telling the crowd he was donating $1 million to help Flint residents deal with the ongoing contaminated water crisis.
Live Nation and Mars jointly directed funds from the sold-out concert to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, to addresses both immediate concerns as well as future needs of children exposed to lead in its water supply.
Mars said in a statement,
I'm very thankful to the Michigan audience for joining me in supporting this cause. Ongoing challenges remain years later for Flint residents, and it's important that we don't forget our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster. As people, especially as Americans, we need to stand together to make sure something like this never happens in any community ever again.
The foundation is said to give immediate and ongoing support to the community of Flint, Michigan, which continues to suffer from toxic water supplies that were tainted when the city switched its water system to the polluted Flint River in 2014.
The CFGF President in a statement said, “With a grateful heart, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is honored to accept this inspiring donation." CEO Isaiah M. Oliver added, “We know Bruno Mars' $1 million gifts will be transformative to the children and families of Flint. He understands the issues faced by Flint citizens, and we are touched by his concern and generosity."
Versace on the Floor singer is currently on the North American leg of his 24k Magic World Tour, which will stretch all the way until next summer.
