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Celebrities react, donate to Hurricane Harvey relief

As catastrophic flooding continues in Houston and other parts of Texas, celebrities have offered their support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Comedian Kevin Hart is challenging his colleagues to support relief by donating $25K.

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has challenged his colleagues to do more for the victims of Hurricane Harvey by donating to the Red Cross. 

The rain from Hurricane Harvey has finally stopped in Texas, but it still continues to devastate the state with catastrophic flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has said that recovery from the storm will take 'a couple of years.'

As residents evacuate, find shelter and start to rebuild, celebrities are now offering their support. During a heartfelt moment at MTV's Video Music Awards on Sunday, Katy Perry urged viewers to donate to the Red Cross. "We're praying for your safety in the days to come and stay with you as you rebuild, because we're all in this together," said Perry.

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart challenged his celebrity friends to donate $25,000 in an Instagram post on Sunday. He's calling it the "Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge."

I'm calling this the Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge....Lets go @therock @beyonce @chrisrock Jay Z Dave Chappelle @jerryseinfeild @iamsteveharveytv @justintimberlake #HurricaneHarveyReliefChallenge #prayforhouston .....I am getting a link together now people. Help me help Houston....

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on

Jennifer Lopez, former football player Alex Rodriguez, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, T.I., DJ Khaled and many more celebrities have all completed Hart's challenge.

"I think we've participated in a lot of challenges on the internet, some meaningful, some meaningless, but we've all done them," Hart said. "At this point I'm going to start a real challenge."

So far, Hart's challenge has raised more than $1 million. He posted about trying to reach $1.5 million on Thursday.

Founder and CEO of Dell Inc. Michael Dell has donated the largest amount to Harvey relief efforts to date. He wrote on Twitter that he and his wife would pledge $36 million. The pledge goes towards a fund that he launched. The goal is to raise $100 million by labor day weekend.

Taylor Swift has also donated a 'very sizable sizable donation' , according to the Houston Food Bank. The donation was in honor of her mother, who graduated from the University fo Houston.

Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Otajuwon also announced he would be donating $150,000 to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

JJ Watt of the Houston Texans created a fundraiser that has raised over $13.5 million as of Friday morning. Ellen DeGeneres and Walmart donated $1 million to the fund on Wednesday, according to Watt's Twitter.

Absolutely incredible.

The most difficult times bring out the best in humanity. https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/0H8jHcZCQc

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 31, 2017

"I know that these recovery efforts are going to be massive," said Watt.

On Thursday, Houston-native Beyonce Knowles launched a relief effort called 'BeyGOOD.' The organization teamed up with Bread of Life and Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations will go to long-term revitalization and purchasing immediate aid needs.

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

Country singer Chris Young also donated $100,000 to the relief efforts on a GoFundMe account. The money will go directly to the Red Cross, and the campaign has raised over $330,000.

On Wednesday, Texas native and country music superstar George Strait tweeted his plan to host a Harvey benefit concert. Other musicians, like Solange and Fall Out Boy, have announced benefit concerts.

Country band Lady Antebellum tweeted that proceeds from merchandise sales of their Dallas show would be given to relief efforts.

Actress Sandra Bullock, who has a home in Austin, committed $1 million to Harvey relief. The Kardashian family donated $500,000 to The Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, donated $1 million to the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund. The funds will go toward short and long term relief and recovery efforts. United Way Worldwide said Wednesday that the national fund will distribute 100 percent of donations to recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Singer Miley Cyrus donated $500,000, and her non-profit organization, The Happy Hippie Foundation, is accepting donations for Harvey relief.

Actor and Texas native Randy Quaid tweeted and urged people to send him his address if they need help or if they're in danger.

Dozens of other celebrities have tweeted their thoughts and prayers to Houston and other parts of Texas.

We are currently overseas in London and all I can think about is how devastated I am as I look at images of the damage Hurricane Harvey has caused. I am praying for the safety of all those affected. Houston has truly been a home to me over the last 8 years. Myself and @futuretheprince are working with local relief groups to aid and assist the people of Texas in anyway we can and in the most immediate way possible. I also want to thank all the men and women of service and volunteers for their courageous efforts to help people in need. I encourage everyone to do what they can to assist the people of Texas knowing whatever effort you can make to help will go a long way.

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on

Just got home from Texas. I was in San Antonio, so it wasn't as bad as other areas of Texas. I'm praying for my home state and all those who are suffering through the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Stay strong Texas and a big Texas size thank you to all the first responders, National Guard, Red Cross, volunteers, etc. Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes our hearts and capacity to help. #GodBlessTexas 🙏🏻

A post shared by Eva Longoria Baston (@evalongoria) on

💔💔��💔. Prayers, light and love for Texas! 🙏🙌🏻#home #hurricaneharvey

A post shared by Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) on

A post shared by @amyschumer on

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