Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Donate $500,000 to Joplin Tornado Relief

By Christine Fenno Posted Jun 11th 2011 11:09AM

The Jolie-Pitt Foundation announced a donation on Friday of $500,000 to aid recovery efforts in Joplin, Missouri, after a tornado brought death and destruction to the area last month.

"With the devastating loss of 30 percent of the city, the Joplin community faces great challenges ahead," said Brad Pitt. "Having spent much of my childhood there, I know these people to be hardworking, humble and especially resilient."

Angelina Jolie added: "Our hearts go out to the families in Joplin who have lost so much."

The Kansas City Star reports that the couple's donation will benefit the Joplin Recovery Fund.

The tornado that directly hit Joplin in May destroyed miles of the city, including a hospital, in mere minutes. The death toll has topped 150. In the aftermath, victims are now reportedly fighting a lethal fungus stirred up by the twister.

Pitt's ties to Missouri run deep. Born in Okalahoma, Pitt was raised with his sister and brother in Springfield, Mo., attending Kickapoo High School and the University of Missouri. Pitt left the college weeks before graduating to launch an acting career in Los Angeles, where he took odd jobs and acting lessons until fame struck. The actor knows a thing or two about rebuilding after a natural disaster, ever since he became actively involved in designing housing for hurricane-ravaged New Orleans in recent years.

Tags: angelina jolie, brad pitt, brangelina

Comments

(126)

Saturday 11 June

By Stxchic

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Tax deduction or not, publicity or not, I think its great. These people care as we all should. Joplin needs everyone's help. If we all just gave alittle, it would really add up. Dont' forget about the homeless animals too, The Joplin Humane Society needs our help too.

By penny johnson

Well all this is great but what about the every day person who just needs a lil helpup in these trying times.

By Irma

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Such humanitarians, always giving back. You are the best, Angelina Jolie and Brad! I know the people of Joplin will truly appreciate it, and so do we!

By obafsal

I'm glad to see these 2 true caring human beings doing whatever they want with their money, to help others, I wonder if that trash talking chelsea handler will help or just diss them...

By Enough Already

Good to see how caring they are for those who find themselves in horrible situations. Americans will always dig deep into their pockets to help those in dire need. No need for bureaucrats to get involve - they always seem to find a way to screw it up!

By Mike

They can afford it.

By the_fool

They try to do something good and they get knocked for it? Thanks for giving something Brad and Angelina

By Joan

What a great thing to do. If only all who Could, WOULD, what a difference it would make in the lives of so many. To share what you have, whether it be money, food, clothing or whatever, and whenever and wherever it is needed,is the true meaning of being an American.
God Bless all who help those in need.

By tom

To bad they could not give a couple of thousand to Hackleburg and Phil Campbell Al for the tornado that went thru there. Destruction wise both of these places were wiped out. I guess they could not get enough press from those 2 towns to make a donation worth while. I will remember that the next time one of their films are released.

Sunday 12 June

By KITZER

Well said Tom ~~ Same goes for Minneapolis, Minnesota!!!!

By Lela

I like this Tom....and smarter words were never spoken.....again...it's all about the camere and to drum up more movie goers who by the way are the real ones who donated this money......Witout us they would be working at Home Depot (Brad) and Ulta (Angelina)......

Sunday 19 June

By Teresa Blankenship

From the bottom of my heart may I say God Bless you both. I don't live in Joplin, but both of my parents were there when it happened. My Dad was at a friends house and my Mother and Stepdad were trapped on the 6th floor of St.John's Hospital. I live in Carthage,but the need was great and you both were so generous in you help in rebuilding all of their lives and healing for us all. So Thank you and God Bless you and your family forever.
Sincerely
Teresa Blankenship

I my self am sorry for those who are not thankful for your help.
For those of us who know what it is like to struggle we are greatful! There are more thankful than not.

By RobertnAK

True Glamour and Grace may yet be still alive in Tinsel Town. Your fellow Americans thank you Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

By Rick Auxerre

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Thank you Brad and Angelina! More of Hollywood's Celebrities should be so generous with their money. When normal people have supported and established you to your wealth and fame. It's the greatest act of kindness to give that back when others are in need! I will continue to support your films with my hard earned dollars.

Why have they not donated anything to the people who suffered dearly from the tornados that ripped through residential Minneapolis, Minnesota??? I guess 'Blubber Lips' doesn't care!!

By g.Pritchard

and to what relief fund have you donated Kitzer?

By LAURA

Name calling? Are you serious? And yes...what have YOU done to help out those in need?

I guess it was this or adopt another kid.

And a tax deduction and publicity!!!

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