'Hand in Hand' boasts superstars, stories of hope, rails against climate change

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: In this handout photo provided by Hand in Hand, Oprah Winfrey and Cher attend Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief at Universal Studios AMC on September 12, 2017 in Universal City, California. less UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: In this handout photo provided by Hand in Hand, Oprah Winfrey and Cher attend Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief at Universal Studios AMC on September 12, 2017 in ... more Photo: Kevin Mazur/Hand In Hand, Getty Images Photo: Kevin Mazur/Hand In Hand, Getty Images Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close 'Hand in Hand' boasts superstars, stories of hope, rails against climate change 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

Emotional stories of hope and destruction, superstar performances and warnings to take heed of climate change highlighted "Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief."

Houston-based rapper Bun B and music manager Scooter organized the hourlong telethon to help those in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. It was expanded this week to also benefit victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida.

"Remember, when humanity needs your help, you don't hesitate. You activate," Bun B said as he stood next to Braun.

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"Hand in Hand" aired Tuesday night across several networks and streamed live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Within just that hour, donations reached more than $14 million with more being accepted at handinhand2017.com.

Stevie Wonder kicked things off with a rousing "Lean on Me" featuring a gospel choice.

"When love goes into action, it recognizes no color of skin, no ethnicity, no religious beliefs, no sexual preferences and no political persuasions," Wonder said at the top of the program.

"It just loves – as we should begin to love and value our planet. And anyone who believes that there is no such thing as global warming must be blind or unintelligent.

"Lord, please save us all."

Dozens of celebrities manned the phones, including Jay Leno, Jared Leto, DJ Khaled, Stephen Colbert, Tom Hanks, Cher, George Clooney, Gwen Stefani, Julianne Moore, Daniel Craig, Nicki Minaj and Bruce Willis.

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Performances and testimonies were beamed in from Universal Studios-Hollywood, New York's Times Square and Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Many urged viewers to let this be a call to heal a divided nation.

Oprah Winfrey and Cher held onto each other as they recounted the story of a human chain who linked together to save a stranger in Houston. A photo of the dramatic rescue was on the screen behind them.

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this picture was worth more. It can heal, revive and inspire a nation," Cher said.

"This picture is us. Never forget, this is who we are. This is always who we are."

George Strait beamed in from his own benefit at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio, crooning "If It Wasn't for Texas" and "I Believe" alongside Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. The feel-good performance was introduced by Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey.

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Usher and Blake Shelton performed "Stand by Me" from the Grand Ole Opry. Later, the same stage was occupied by Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker and CeCe Winans for a group run through "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Selena Gomez, who hails from Grand Prairie, broke down in tears as she recounted the story of the Saldivar family, who lost six members when their van was submerged in Houston.

Justin Bieber took part in a prayer with Rabbi Ari Lucas and Jihad Turk, director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California. Tori Kelly and Luis Fonsi were an emotive, understated highlight during a bilingual "Hallelujah." Drake appeared briefly via a black and white video.

And, of course, Beyoncé localized her prerecorded contribution in only the way she can.

"It doesn't matter if you're from Third Ward or River Oaks, we're all in this together," she said. "Seeing everyone of different racial, social and religious backgrounds put their own lives at risk to help each other survive restored my faith in humanity.

"The effects of climate change are playing out around the world every day. We have to be prepared for what comes next."

Between song and pleas, there was footage of daring Hurricane Harvey rescues, a tribute to Houston's first responders and a few flashes of Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Proceeds from "Hand in Hand" will benefit the United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Feeding Texas and the Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief.