Stars Lend a Hand in the Wake of America’s Tragedy

Stars such as Denis Leary, Marcia Gay Harden, Steve Buscemi, Kathleen Turner, and Daniel Day-Lewis turned up in New York City to lend a helping hand. Buscemi, a former firefighter in the mid-eighties, donned protective gear and joined what he called "his brothers" to help pull victims from the wreckage. He wanted no recognition and declined to speak to reporters according to People magazine. Kathleen Turner, Aidan Quinn and Daniel Day-Lewis did what they could at St. Vincent’s Hospital to get supplies to the correct departments. Fashion Designers such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Cynthia Rowley and Calvin Klein donated clothing. Members of the New York Giants were on hand to unload supplies. Others just did what they could to help.

Other stars, such as Michael Jackson, pledged to raise money for the relief effort. Jackson vowed to raise $50 million with a ballad called "What More Can I Give?" Madonna will donate proceeds from some of her concerts to the families affected by the attacks. Katie Couric and daughters, Carrie and Ellie, sold cupcakes to raise money for the effort. Sarah Ferguson started the Duchess of York’s 911 Fund and Denis Leary started The Leary Firefighters Foundation Fund for New York’s Bravest.

The amount of people who have rallied together giving money, clothing and their time was overwhelming and many stars, as well as ordinary citizens, were turned away and told that enough manpower was already in place. Those not needed in the recovery efforts were instructed to donate blood and other supplies and to begin stimulating the local economy by returning to normal shopping habits and entertainment routines. To see the nation come together and give what they could has been an inspiration and a comfort to many. Celebrities or not, millions of people have given generously and selflessly to help their fellow Americans in this time of crisis.