Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
Bruno Mars made a big announcement during a Saturday (August 12) concert in Michigan. “You guys showed me this much love and support tonight, I want to do something special,” Mars said while performing “Just the Way You Are.” “Tonight, I’m going to donate $1 million to our brothers and sisters in Flint, Michigan.”
According to Rolling Stone, the money was donated to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF)—a local organization that has assisted Flint water crisis victims since 2014.
“I’m very thankful to the Michigan audience for joining me in supporting this cause,” Mars said in a follow-up statement to press. “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.”
Isaiah Oliver, who took over as CFGF president and CEO in June, thanked Mars for his contribution via Facebook on Saturday. “We know Bruno Mars’ $1 million gift will be transformative to the children and families of Flint,” he said. “He understands the issues faced by Flint citizens, and we are touched by his concern and generosity.”
In June, Michigan health department head Nick Lyon was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the Flint water crisis. Lyon allegedly failed to publicly announce a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, according to The Associated Press.
