Taylor Swift’s image has taken a beating in The Summer of Receipts. While I believe that she is still generally well-liked and supported, there’s no question (in my mind) that there are people around Taylor who are suggesting some kind of shake up in management, PR or more. There’s one part of Taylor Inc. that doesn’t need to be changed though: one of Taylor’s best qualities is her charitable heart – since her earliest days in country, she’s been one of the most charitable stars out there. Even in the midst of the Glorious Tiddlebanging back in July, Taylor took time out to visit sick kids in an Australian hospital. And now this: Taylor has been watching the ongoing tragedy in Louisiana, and she’s decided to donate $1 million to the thousands of flooding victims who have lost everything.
Taylor Swift is donating $1 million to help those in need in Louisiana after floods caused widespread disaster in the state, killing at least 11 people. In a statement to the Associated Press on Tuesday, Swift commented that the people of Louisiana had given her a warm welcome when she began her “1989 World Tour” in the state last year.
“We began The 1989 World Tour in Louisiana, and the wonderful fans there made us feel completely at home. The fact that so many people in Louisiana have been forced out of their own homes this week is heartbreaking,” Swift, 26, said in the statement.
“I encourage those who can to help out and send your love and prayers their way during this devastating time,” the singer added.
As well as those who lost their lives, thousands of people have been affected by the flooding that ravaged Louisiana over the weekend, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency. More than 20,000 people have been rescued across south Louisiana since the flooding started, USA Today reports.
The footage and reporting from flood-ravaged Louisiana has reminded me so strongly of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. One minute, people thought they had escaped the worst of the rain, and in the next minute, flood waters tore through their neighborhoods. I believe Taylor’s motives are true, that she’s motivated by nothing other than compassion. But… of course this helps her image a little bit. Especially since she’s the first major celebrity (that I’m aware of) to donate such an amount, and that she announced it to the AP. By the way, I don’t blame any celebrity for announcing their donations – those kind of announcements raise awareness of the need for private citizens and businesses to donate money too.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.
Obvious PR is obvious. But at least this is useful this time.
Thoughts and prayers for the flooded people. This is awful.
Please, she donated much money before. I doubt that she planned the timing of the flood to use it for PR.
Thanks Liv. People are just impossible
Thank you, @Liv! It’s stories like these over the years that I just love her for. She’s always been a giving person. I always daydream of hitting the lotto and just having a blast donating and surprising people with life’s needs, not wants. I live in a town that was hit hard with job loss and has been struggling to gain any jobs back for years. I would help bring running, fresh water to people who walk miles a day for a bucket of water. Gosh. I wish I was rich so I could give it all away.
It’s the announcement to People that’s PR, in any case its a positive as it encourages others to donate.
this.
🙂
Nah, as much as I can’t stand Taylor, she always gave back. She donates all the time, is incredible to her fans, and to others in need. She donated a large sum to one of her back up dancers when she found out his mother was sick and he was supporting her. She has a good heart, just a bit lost in her head.
Yeah, what she did to Kanye was not pleasant but she’s donated a lot to causes and people over the years, from the stories on Celebitchy alone. And not always populist ones either – didn’t she donate a chunk of cash to Keisha over the Dr Luke mess, which was clearly not charity and so not tax deductible as well as controversial?
She has issues, but lacking generosity isn’t one.
Yep. Good for her!
well said, Dani
Honestly who cares? If it was you and you lost everything would you give a fig if she got some positive PR for helping you and your town out?
This is a horrible tragedy and is getting almost not media, so if she brings attention and helps that’s great who cares her motives. I am not a fan but she does so a lot of charity so she probably does feel a need to give back.
Honestly when people are in need they are in need if people give to help that is all that matters and shaming their motives will eventually make people stop.
Do you think all those celebs that did the ice bucket challenge didn’t do it for PR? Well guess what the money raised helped find important medical and scientific information that can lead to treating the disease! So yeah PR isn’t always bad.
I care, and some other people care too. If it was me, I would say the same.
This is not a fan site and those aspect of celebrity are interesting to me. Not to you obviously, and that’s fine.
<<<
@MoochieMom
?????? what does that mean
same. it’s good she drops a million here and there b/c the majority of ppl who have this ability are greedy as fcuk and couldn’t care less if you lived or died.
I’ll compare her going to the AP for this to members of One Direction…they usually set up a website for charity and tweet to their fans to help and support the cause, lots of money (million plus) is raised every time and the AP isn’t involved. So while her donating money is great, she could encourage her fans in less obvious PR ways. I’m so sick of her and I used to defend her all the time
Don’t comment on her post then if you’re so sick of her 🙂 see, I made it easier for you
I think it’s very kind of Taylor, God bless her
@cherrypie congrats on putting the bitchy in celebitchy!! 😀
you ignored what my comment said… she has over 88 million followers on instagram and over 80 million followers on twitter, a simple link would have allowed her fans to ban together and donate, trending hashtags, etc. going to the AP was a calculated Taylor move. I’m glad she donated money, those people need it, but that wasn’t my point.
This is a genuine question (I’m not from the States, and I’m honestly not a Taylor fan, never have been) but would the social media route have put the Louisiana floods in the news as much as an AP press release would? More? Less? I’m curious.
@K2, in this case, the social media route would probably make more people aware of the devastation cause by the floods. The US national media have been disgracefully (in my opinion) lax in covering this story. So far, it hasn’t gotten much attention at all from them.
I’m not a Taylor fan, but good for her for donating such a large sum of money.
Whether or not its for PR, shes still doing more than what others will do.
If she was truly charitable, she wouldn’t have to announce it.
I just paid to save three horses from shipping over the border to Mexico to slaughter. I can say that here, since I’m anonymous. But I’d never announce it on my Facebook page or Twitter. Why would anyone do that? It’s useful to have the money from her, but it’s all PR for her.
In fairness, her donation put the floods on front pages, internationally. Was on the Guardian site yesterday. If it hadn’t been announced then it wouldn’t have drawn that attention, and I can only think donations have come from the attention.
It’s good PR, sure, but it is also raising more money.
Good for her.
Does anyone else feel like this flood has been under-covered by the media?
Yes. It is getting very little coverage.
>>>
Yes! I feel like the media is all “seen it before in 2005.” It’s like they don’t care. Or maybe the lack of a hurricane isn’t dramatic enough for them. It’s appalling because this should be leading coverage right now. Instead we get more Word Salad from the CheetosTM Spray-Tan candidate.
You are so right!!! When the police shootings happened, the media was here left and right. Commenting on race wars and such. I guess since there’s no hate involved, they have no interest. Sickening really.
I live in New Orleans. We know many, many people who have lost everything. Even people in our state were not aware of the flooding. My boss had no idea until Sunday morning. There has been barely any coverage whatsoever. It’s deeply disappointing. I knew about the flooding through social media posts by my friends who were having to escape their house with water up to their chests.
I’m not a huge Swifty fan, but I’m supremely grateful for her donation & announcement. Yes, there’s a PR angle. But now that someone with her level of celebrity has donated, more people will know about the flooding. Her donation brings some much needed public awareness.
Pray for Louisiana, please. I’m heartbroken over this. I remember all too well what it was like when it was New Orleans under water and having to live out of a hotel for 3 months without any of my belongings.
There was something on Facebook, a letter to Baton Rouge from NOLA. It said we remember when you took us in with open arms when we lost everything in Katrina. We remember when you smiled kindly as we over crowded your restaurants and cities. We remember and we want you to know, we are coming. We are coming with help and supplies and hugs and shoulder’s to cry on. We remember and hang in there, we are coming. -love, New Orleans.
It brings tears to my eyes typing it out, only because it’s true and it’s needed so bad. I’m lucky, I have flood insurance.
As story, after story, comes out of a once divided community standing together in their hour of need, pooling resources, rescuing one another, grieving, praying and sheltering together, we see previously blood filled streets cleansed by unifying waters. Amongst the devastation and despair, a spirit of hope and forgiveness is coursing it’s way, saturating all it touches.
For all that we are, and all that we were, we can truly say that THIS week, in Louisiana, #alllivesmattered
It took a mighty rain to get us there, but get there we did.
~~~Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
#1000yearflood
#thegreatfloodof2016
NOLA, I was born and raised in Louisiana and still have family there. They are north of Baton Rouge and so far haven’t experienced any flooding but my heart is just broken for the entire state. It’s devastating. I have nothing but appreciation for Tay for donating this much money. I’ve donated to the Red Cross but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed.
The lack of national media coverage is just criminal. I am enraged by that. I think they’re not covering it because they can’t blame it on Trump, Hillary, or BLM.
I definitely agree with this, Not nearly as much coverage as I think it warrants.
Yes. We are so devastated and grief stricken and exhausted right now. Everyone is trying to help in anyway they can.
It feels like it’s just us.
Last night on tv our local station was trying to raise money and they had four little operators taking calls. It made me so sad.
This event will probably be in the billions and that poor tv station was desperately trying to put a dent in it.
Heard a short segment yesterday about boat owners doing rescues of fellow locals and their pets. But since the Federal and local government are all working together and there is no racial tension the media isn’t interesting in stopping Olympic $$$ coverage. I was so upset and will not snark on Swifty for her donation. This time I applaud her fully including with her statement.
Hang in there Louisiana, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Will check with the Red Cross regarding small donations.
THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL THERE?! As a long time Gulf Coast person I don’t get why you insist on still living in a place that floods. This is not the right forum for this but FEMA is getting sick of this and bail outs are not going to be a fix for living where IT FLOODS ALL THE TIME.
@MoochieMom
How about people living in tornado alley? West coast earthquakes or fires? Hurricanes on the east coast? Blizzards in the north? Tell us wise one where we should all live.
Have some goddamn compassion! I hope you aren’t a real Mom teaching children zero empathy!
@moochimom “As a long time gulf coaster” I surely for YOUR sake hope you don’t ever experience catastrophic devastation in a place where all your family, your memories, your kids memories, your culture, your way of life is. I would hate for someone to callously judge you for choosing to not abandon those things that become a part of who you are…Who your soul is.
But yet, I have to wonder..”as a long time gulf coaster” where were you during Katrina, Ike, Andrew, Georges, Camille??
I can either guess that you were A) not yet born B) did not originate from there or C) woefully suffered from head up the ass syndrome
Because, I cannot, for the life of me fathom why you would say such an ignorant thing.
But that’s okay. When something tragic happens to YOUR state, you can bet your ass off Louisiana will be one of the first to come to your aid with their gumbo pot and their work boots on. Cause THAT is how we roll.
*insert Cajun middle finger
@MoochieMom, Many of the areas that have flooded have never flooded before. I read that a low percentage of residents have flood insurance because these areas are not considered to be in a flood plain.
Hey there @moochiemom- baton rougian here. Just want to clear up your misconception. All of my friends whose homes have been completely flooded were assured that they were NOT in a flood zone by their insurance agents. Many opted for flood insurance nonetheless. Some followed the professional’s advice and went without insurance.
This flooding is truly a fluke occurrence. The rain fell just right (just wrong? ?) enough to flood areas that have never flooded in the recorded history of our city. 24 inches in 24 hours, plus more rain before and after that day. Even now as I type, I’m getting flood warnings from my phone, because the rain is still pouring down.
Please, save your self-righteous rantings for we idiots who want to live where the flood waters wipe everything away for another time. Right now, we could use a bit of compassion.
Maybe the Olympics and election campaign are taking up most of the media’s attention.
True. Also, I live outside of Chicago. Milwaukee is not far from us and they are getting a lot of coverage from our news agencies here .
It’s getting a lot of coverage in Mobile where I live, but nationally, no. I’m surprised, as looking at the aerial photos, the devastation is unbelievable. I feel so sorry for the people and the animals affected by this.
YES!!! It’s barely a blip on the television news stations here in Boston. Ugh.
Thank god for NPR.
Blimey. That’s awful. I’m sitting in the UK and this story got several minutes worth of coverage on the BBC lunchtime news slot.
Yeah. That’s why I don’t see her loud announcement of her donation as PR-motivated. This situation needs not just money but attention. She gave both.
I’m usually a Taytay skeptic, but I can’t see this as anything but genuinely good.
Yes!!! Completely
I am seeing a lot of coverage in western Canada. Interviews with the people rescuing others with their boats, people who were stranded and rescued and stories about the pets. Tips on how and where to donate. But we just went through the fire in Ft Mac and the flooding in Calgary not long ago, so maybe our media is sensitive to the need to raise awareness?
Well, thanks Taylor for for one whose parents live there. Thanks
As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. God bless her.
Why do people care about the reason behind someone’s donations?
Whether it’s Taylor, Angelina Jolie, Bono etc some people always claim that there is an ulterior motive behind the charity and that they mostly do it for positive PR or for an image makeover.
I frankly don’t care why they do it but admire the fact that they actually do it. Hundreds of people will benefit from their donations so who the f cares about the motives…
Exactly. Doing good is reason enough for me.
+1
Exactly. It’s no one’s business she owes no one whether she gives or not… People just hate on TS… I always avoid her posts but decided to commend her on this. One million is a lot of money and God bless her soul
I’m sorry but Jolie and Bono have an extensive history of long term involvement in humanitarian matters. Most of which happens in the absence of cameras. They dont swoop in to exploit vulnerable human beings for a quick PR fix. (I’m using ” swoop” broadly here, because the only swooping she has done is ring up her accountant at the advice of her PR manager). Most celebrities believe it or not, give without funfair.
As others have said, she’s bringing greater attention to the situation and setting a good example. It’ll motivate others to donate to the cause.
When she gave money to help out Kesha, there was criticism of her for not being public enough about it (I think Kesha’s mother is the one who made it public). But now she’s criticized for announcing a donation herself. This girl really can’t win with some people.
You are aware of Bono’s extensive history because a great deal of it has been highly publicized.
Very often, when a crisis is not getting much attention and the aid organizations are receiving few donations, they will ask a celebrity donor to make his or her involvement public to raise awareness.
She has given donations to flood-stricken areas in the past. Natural disaster relief is one of her regular ’causes’, along with arts education.
Swift really does have a long history of sharing the wealth. If she made the announcement, my bet is that the charity asked her to do it. She doesn’t instantly leap to get publicity about such donations. This is something that celebrities can do to raise awareness of special need in a crisis, and many of them do it for that reason.
ITA and I make this point every time someone comes down on a celeb for making a charitable donation.
Everyone is talking about PR, but wealthy people in general have tax incentives to donate to charity. Putting yourself in a lower tax bracket is a big deal. So PR + write off are two good reasons to donate. That being said, life isn’t black and white. Charity donations are useful whether the motives are altruistic or not. The ONLY thing I like to make sure of is wealthy people giving donations without self-interested strings attached (as in scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours). If this is just money given for the state to do needed work. No problems here.
100% agree.
Yeah, no shade, this was a nice gesture.
Thank you Taylor! Where is Brintey Spears? I haven’t seen so much as a compassionate tweet for her home state. Love Britney but expected better from a native Louisianan.
Perhaps Britney has donated quietly.
Taylor is exploiting a horrific situation for some good press, which is beyond low. Compassionate human beings dont need to issue press staments to AP with the exact amount they’ve given. We learnt many years after the fact that Beyonce had given 7 million to a homeless charity and thats only because someone else spilled. I expect BritBrit not being a shameless fame whore will do her part quietly without trying to reap PR millage out of other peoples devastation.
We get it you hate Taylor , that’s fine , but for whatever reason she did it , it’s brought much needed attention, and hopefully will galvanise other people in to helping too… Plus it’s still $1000000 which is going to help a lot of people who desperately need it!
Lol. Yes, criticising a blatantly self serving act means you hate a person. That must mean that defending her makes you a super fan. Announcing her exact donation in a public statement may have had an ancillary effect of temporarily raising the story but that wasnt her intention. If it were, she would have rounded up her celebrity posse to tweet and talk about it. Her statement would have focused on the damage done, the efforts of different organisations and tips on how her fans can help out. Instead, she decided to let you know how much she gave because everything is always about her. So lets see how long she stays engaged with this story.
Wow, what a useless comment. Is this bloody necessary?
This was a very nice gesture by Taylor. The money itself will help many people in need and the very fact that Swift released a statement will bring more attention to an underreported tragedy.
Who even gives a fig that she announced the donation. What difference does it make? The important thing is that she actually DID IT, which is more than we can say about most celebrities.
I’m not even a Swift fan, but Christ. You’re ridiculous.
@Naya-if it’s the same Kate who posted downthread about losing everything in the flood then maybe she’s just grateful?
I mean really, shouldn’t we be listening to the people who benefit most from Taylor’s donation? They seem genuinely appreciative and at the end of the day that’s all that matters: the money is going to the people who need it. I doubt the people suffering in flood-ravaged areas in NOLA give a f*ck that Taylor wrote a mean song about so-and-so. Right now, they’re just happy to have the help.
@Gardenia-I completely agree.
@Naya: I agree. If famous people want to raise awareness to a subject there are ways to use their leverage and power that doesn’t transforms an act of generosity about themselves. And seeing how suggesting that always raises the outrage of others just shows that these celebs strategies work. As long and you are doing something good for the greater good NO ONE can question if there was actually a way to do it more tastefully. Is this a dogma now?
True generosity and altruism should not be advertised. Which doesn’t mean you can’t use your power to bring attention and encourage others to help.
I’m glad she did something, I won’t say that was bad, I don’t think Naya even meant that. It’s a different matter.
Naya, as one who suffered from Hurricane Sandy, I would be GRATEFUL for all donations, instead of questioning their “motivation”. There are other ways to get good press. If she wants to give away a MILLION dollars, even if it WAS motivated by a desire for good press, I’d still say “Thanks, and GREAT job!” As others pointed out though, she has s long history of giving back to others generously. Why not make a list of people who never give a nickel, so you can admire them for not pandering to popular appeal?!
There are 2 Kate’s on here, I’m the one that was in the flood, I’ll put #2 behind me. I didn’t say that, but I am glad it’s getting attention. It needs to make national news, it looks like…. I can’t even describe it. Everyone helping everyone. Neighbors, families, friends, people you don’t know. When I was crying in my front yard, a lady I didn’t know, walked over from next door and hugged me, she said you looked like you needed a hug.
Everything is destroyed. Only 10% of the victims have flood insurance. If it took her giving that specific amount to get attention, then THANKS TAYLOR!! lol
As of yesterday Kentwood was getting flooded and rescue operations were happening there. She may not have donated because she probably has misplaced family right now. Only her mom lives here, and I think she’s been in Nashville with her sister. Her dad is in LA with her and so is her brother. Britney will come through, she just may have other things to deal with here.
There’s pics on Twitter of Jamie Lynn packing up supplies for LA families. I think the Spears are helping, it’s just not widely publicized outside the community (and like you said, the PR part isn’t the priority, it’s the immediate aid to those suffering).
She instagramed about it actually.
This is why PR is really important.
TS is slowly changing the narrative.
Even Kim is doing the same with posting about her kids.
This at least helps people who are desperately in need of help. Posting about Kim’s kids is just Kim publicizing an extension of herself and helps nobody.
And I don’t like either woman.
You would never see Kim K donate a million bucks to help anyone. Her and Kanye flaunt their wealth and possessions in everyone’s faces. They don’t care about people struggling.
Taylor has always been pretty generous with helping where it is needed. I barely have seen coverage on this and it’s a huge devastating loss but Brad Pitt was active in helping to rebuild after the hurricane hit years back and I am Somerhalder to you may see them get involved to.
Good for her no criticism or mockery deserved.
Taylor has been charitable from the start with her time and money (I think she also donated a bunch of books too), much more than most other celebrities. Yes the PR helps, but the good from the money and raised awareness trumps that. PS I work in charitable giving, the amount and number of times she’s donated, are huge tax breaks but the value she’s gifted goes over what she’d be able to write off for a tax break.
Finally! Not finally for Taylor, but finally a big star is publicly drawing more attention to the needs of those affected by this atrocious flooding.
I have no snark for her good deeds. She is one of the more charitable Instagram personalities who can also sing!
Guys, I’m one that lost everything. I had 20 minutes to get out of my house and then the place that I evacuated to, I had to wade through waist deep water to be rescued again. All my furniture, pictures, memories… Gone. This wasn’t like Katrina. Not even close. That hurricane took out a few sections and cities, this took out most of south Louisiana and it’s still happening. People are still being rescued and evacuated.
Good for Taylor. Who cares why she did it. The national media didn’t cover this till Monday. It started Thursday, apparently Justin bieber acting like a toddler was more important. Look up the ‘Cajun Navy’. About 60 boats and a lot of good hearted people came from another part of the state and started rescuing people. Obama didn’t declare us a disaster till Saturday. We couldn’t wait for help here, we became the help. Keep us in your prayers and send good thoughts our way, Lord knows we need it.
Sending hugs and prayers and I’ve made a donation.
I’m so sorry. 🙁
Thanks y’all… It’s nice to be able to come here and read about mindless gossip to escape this horrible reality for a few minutes.
Prayers for you and your community!!!
Kate! So much love and prayers hon. I can’t imagine the heartache you’re going through. We are ALL praying for you, your family and friends and your amazing state. Keep your head up. Xoxoxox
I’m so sorry! I can’t imagine what that would be like, but I am glad you made it out! <3
I’m so sorry… This is so sad… God bless TS for bringing more attention to this
Kate, where are you from? I was raised in Holden and all of my family lost everything. In Hammond and walker all of my friends lost everything.
I’m safe down the bayou but even yesterday we were bagging sand for the inevitable rising waters.
I’m in Denham Springs. Two streets past Denham high. I got 3-4 feet of water, but I couldn’t get anything up, like couches and stuff. I put our laptops and tv’s on top the kitchen table, but that wasn’t high enough. 90% of Livingston Parish went under. It’s crazy.
Kate, do you need a place to stay?
My husband and I decided yesterday to take in a displaced family.
We have been in contact with catholic charities and James house but I don’t know how long it might take before they get someone assigned to us.
We are in thibodaux. We have room for a small family (a mom a dad, a few kids and a baby) and we are presently set up for a baby and pets.
I have cried every day. My stepsister is in denham and she and her family lost everything but their car. They are quite poor so its life changing. They are staying at my mom and dads house presently.
You are so sweet, thank you. I’m staying with my aunt, she has a 3 bedroom home and lives alone. I have a mustang and it got over the seats, I’m pretty sure the insurance will total it out. Thank you again for the offer, but thankfully I have a place, until I can get in my house again
No problem. I’m sure we will hear from someone today. All of the hotels here are full, but at this point they are in shock and limbo and no one wants to impose upon anyone (as is the Louisiana way) so we are just doing what we can to help them until someone decides they want to take us up on our offer.
When I was a little girl we were rescued from our home in Holden in the flood of ’83.
They weren’t called the Cajun navy then, but that’s what they were. Just some good ole boys on a flatbed, trolling down our street listening for cries of help. We were so thankful they came. Our house was very old and you could feel it swaying on its blocks as the waters would lift it from time to time. My grandmothers house was spared but not this time. 🙁 water up to the roof. All those who stayed dry in the flood of 83 were under water just a few days ago, so what we thought was bad in ’83 paled in comparison to this flood which has turned out to be much much worse.
I mean how? How will we ever recover? There are parts of New Orleans that are still blighted from Katrina and have yet to rebuild. Entire neighborhoods.
The magnitude of this flood, in my opinion, is much more than Katrina because it encompasses entire parishes, from the densely populated, like BR and Lafayette, to the rural and spread out, like tangipahoa and Livingston and st Helena and many are very very poor.
It grieves me immensely.
I was a toddler in ’83. But I’ve lived through the flood in the 90’s. It’s different when it’s your entire life, just gone. It happened so quick. I bought my house last year, I had just painted… But it’s just stuff. I can buy new stuff. My daughter is a cheerleader and competes. Alabama’s cheer team is sending clothes and stuff to our girls, my daughter and I only have a little bit of clothing.. Can’t really pack in 20 minutes lol.
Ascension parish is flooding right now and rescues are under way.
They are expecting it to flood as far down as Laplace today.
I just hope God spares us more rain. I’ve been glued to the radar because every drop compounds the problem.
Did you hear about the mayor of walker filing suit against the government over the concrete barriers on i-12 that he alleges held 6 feet of water in denham and walker? He showed aerial images of the 15 mile stretch of barriers being used as essentially a dam for holding water in walker north while the I-12 east bound was dry. He claims someone from dotd came in the middle of the night moved two of the barriers, which allowed the water to escape then they put the barriers back several hours later.
It’s compelling, and if true, a critical error made by the state.
This is why i love Celebitchy. Wishing you the best Kate!!
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m sending love your way! Be safe.
So much internet hugs to you, Kate.
I cannot imagine how devastating this must be for you and your loved ones.
Best wishes from Blighty, Kate.
Oh gosh. So sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine being in your situation. I am going to send another donation right away. Please keep us informed how you’re doing. *hugs*
Best wishes Kate. Glad that you and your family were able to get out and I hope that you continue to be safe.
I am so sorry Kate! I hope that you can settle into a new home soon and that you and your family stay safe!
I’m so sorry, Kate. This must be so devastating for you (and others, obviously). I hope you’re able to stay safe through this and rebuild your life afterwards. There’s not much I can say, but please know that you and all the other victims are in my thoughts.
Best wishes to you and your family, Kate.
There are 2 Kate’s on here so I put a #2 behind mine. I’m the one in Louisiana that lost everything. Today was hard, throwing out everything in my house and start tearing down walls and pulling up floors so mold doesn’t grow. I couldn’t keep up here, but to finally sit down and check… Y’all are amazing. Thank you for the well wishes, Internet hugs and prayers. I promise all those good vibes are working!!! Thanks again!!!
Good for her. These floods HAVE been under-covered by the media and I’m glad she announced her donation because it may get the ball rolling on other donations.
+1,000,000
At the end of the day, a significant amount of money is going to go to people who desperately need it, so that’s good. Especially since I feel like this has been overshadowed by the Trump circus and the Olympics, which is pretty sad.
I DO side eye the obvious PR grab a little. Stars have donated big money to causes without having to announce it to the press (Sandra Bullock donated a million to both Haiti and Japan and I’m pretty sure she didn’t announce it either time). I see your point about it being an encouragement to other big names, but I feel like in tragic times, charitable giving shouldn’t become a famous person pissing contest of who looks more compassionate.
To be fair to Taylor, she has been on the list of celebrities that consistently make charitable donations for a long time.
Bullock’s donation to Haiti was announced at the time. As were her Katrina donations and her donation after 9/11. Announced very quietly but announced.
Sandra Bullock announced both donations which is why you know about it.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20474571,00.html
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20337740,00.html
Announcing encourages others to donate not just big names but also the public at large so it’s a huge benefit to the charities involved.
I know it came out, but I believe it was announced by the Red Cross, not via press release by herself directly.
She would have given permission to do so as the announcements were not part of any regular fund reports.
Grabbyhands, Sandra letting the info out is her own way of announcing. Sandra is far from a novice and very skilled at her career/image. You can read more on Lainey, which is where I read about it.
Nashville was ignored by the media for quite awhile when our city flooded. Once the water crests – it will get worse. My heart goes out to Louisiana.
Taylor donated a substantial amount then too. It is what she does. I don’t believe she did if for a badly needed image boost. she donated because it is what she does.
PR or not it’s a good deed. Good for her!
Wonder why Britney didn’t donate. She was raised there.
I wonder if she also gave to the flood earlier in the year in South Carolina — the one where most of the victims were black. (I know it’s nit picky and unfair. I do. But I really just can’t stand Taylor Swift; probably because my pet peeve issue is people who use dog whistle racism as part of their PR strategy — which she totally does.)
I am glad, though, that the money is going to the flood victims. Of course.
Taylor Swift is not the federal government. She can’t be expected to show up at every disaster with a wad of cash.
And a third of the population of Louisiana is black.
There is a very sizeable black population in Louisiana??
Some people act like if the celebrities were Superman or Spidey, with all the responsibility of donating. then, if they donate, bad, if they don’t, bad.
The funny thing is that the actual people donating are the ones being attached, when there are Los of rich people, celebs or not who never or hardly ever donate, are sitting pretty at home with no one bothering them.
Prayers to all people being affected by this.
Swift has always been generous to various charities, so no shade from me. If her contribution and statement can help people in Louisiana, that will be even better.
People shading her for announcing her donation are so nit-picky. What are y’all doing to help the people of Louisiana? Her donation will at least help. Praying for Louisiana.
I’m not a TS fan at all but I respect her immensely for this gesture. Announcing it is not for PR – it’s to increase awareness. She did good here.
Whatever the motive, more coverage needed. I have friends directly impacted. In addition to the deaths from flooding , thete are areas without power. Yes the folks of Louisiana need the prayers, we’ll wishes and help.
Good for her. She’ll help a lot of people.
Don’t care if it’s PR. No shade on her for this. My heart goes out to all those dealing with their loss in the wake of this recent disaster.
It really doesn’t matter what the reasons are, what matters is that she donated to those who need it. I may not like her continuous showing off of her life in the media, but she’s not as mean as people try to portray her. Chilldish, immature, sure.. But people, because of this Twiddles make her sound like the devil…
I have an infant at home. This is terrifying. The thought of having an infant in the floods is heart wrenching. They are 100% helpless and then you are pretty much rendered helpless by the floods. I would be panicking. My baby takes formula…what if they ran out or don’t have access to formula and clean water and bottles and diapers?!?!?! It’s every mothers worst nightmare. So many prayers for everyone!!!!
@heythere, there has been a website that connects people who need rescuing to those with boats doing the rescuing. Anyway, plenty of people with babies indicated they had been waiting for days for rescue from their flooded homes and were running low on fresh water for formula, diapers, babies were overheating etc.
We are on day 6 and they are still rescuing people. One person was begging for rescue who was heavily pregnant. She ended up having heR baby in a flooded house before they could get to her the next day.
Motorists were stranded on the interstate for up to 36 hours. Some drivers of food trucks opened their cargo and shared with those stranded with them. There have been incredible stories coming out of sheer grit and will to survive but it’s hardly being played on national media.
Wow, I can’t stop crying just reading your post about the woman giving birth and moms with babies stranded. So many prayers. I want to help. I can’t imagine the strength you have to have. Thank God for social media so people can be connected and get help.
Here is information about ways to help Louisiana.
http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/08/baton_rouge_flooding_new_orlea.html
Thanks for the list lilac. Just made a donation.
thanks for posting this.. just made a donation to the animal shelter. It said on their page that they took in 90 pets just on Sunday. This is just so sad and tragic.
She is very generous. Kudos to her for stepping up. I absolutely agree that the media is not making a big enough deal about this! I feel like all of the major flooding that has happened around the country over the past few months has been ignored in the media.
@cali this is the biggest disaster since sandy and will go down as possibly the most expensive disaster in our state, perhaps surpassing even Katrina.
It needs more attention. Our state is already bankrupt as it is. Our reserves are stretched. And frankly, while we are quite resourceful and a resilient, proud people who don’t wait around for help, we still need to hear people care. We still need to hear that we aren’t forgotten.
It’s especially hurtful that so SO much attention was paid to the tragedy of Alton sterling and the senseless deaths of 3 of our finest, yet this, this, has been going on for 6 days now and many people don’t even know.
I feel like the media used us when the story fit their narrative but now that blacks and whites are coming together, tearfully, bravely, saving one another, physically and spiritually, we aren’t deserving of the media attention this catastrophic flood NEEDS.
There are STILL people being rescued. STILL. If we aren’t careful it will turn into a recovery mission and not a rescue mission.
It is very simple, what she did was very good period.
only god judges hearts and intentions.
let the people who are homeless and effected in this flood benefit of each dollar she donated. May god bless them and help them in this hard time.
Thank you Taylor and hope others will follow.
I work with a dog rescue organization and we’re sending a team of volunteers into Baton Rouge to help reconnect people with missing dogs.
Also, on a more shallow note, I am loving the overalls/skirt thing Taylor is wearing in that photo. WANT.
Seeing what is happening in Louisiana makes me want to cry. The media doesn’t care about poor people – blacks, Asians, or whites. If this were happening in a wealthy city like NYC, San Francisco, or Seattle there would be 24/7 coverage.
I know it is fun to laugh at Taylor Swift’s love life and squad – she is after all an extremely sheltered and immature woman in her twenties. That being said, she is generous and she has always been grateful to her fans. Give credit where credit is due. Plenty of wealthy people rarely give back or only do so for a tax break. Taylor does take the time to communicate and visit her fans, and I believe she does donate out of the goodness of her heart. Please let’s not shade her for everything she does.
From one native Louisianian Celebitcher, to all my fellow LaCelebitches, hugs from the Midwest and fingers crossed that relief happens very soon. For everyone. South Louisiana tends to be the area people immediately think of when the state is mentioned, and it’s a crying damn shame more isn’t done to protect and preserve it, in preparation for these kind of events.
And to whoever above said why keep living there, Japan has tsunamis fairly regularly. California’s earthquakes, too. Should everyone affected in those places move elsewhere, too? What an ignorant thing to say.
It’s not exactly like living in those places, exactly. Tsunamis, at least the very big ones, are very, very rare, as are very damaging earthquakes and places can be built to accommodate those to some extent, and damage in those tends, not always, but tends, to be more localized. Not so much with floods, especially with climate change, which is a ENORMOUS driver of floods like this.
I totally support helping fix South Lousiana’s flooding problems to the extent that it’s possible, but that’s going to take a lot of work on swamps/sloughs, on the Mississippi – and not just the mouth, but all the way up to the headwaters, how we build and sprawl or not on watersheds…. it’s not a small fix, and from what I’ve seen of people’s reactions to floods elsewhere, not something people want to do. They want the water gone now (and I wish that that magic wand existed – just knowing your home and everything in it is being destroyed, and that’s assuming you and yours got out safely) but they don’t want to change how we live.
Prayers for the folks in Louisana. My husband’s family is all safe.
I wasn’t comparing the specific effects, just that natural disasters occur everywhere.
I am not sure why anyone needs to perceive this as a PR move?? Her words appear supportive and responsive to a crisis! Maybe she simply CARES. She expressed gratitude to the people of Louisiana and voiced her concern. Her public donation lets them know they are not alone and people in this country actually do care about more than what the media is currently covering, AND is probably validating in some way to the victims. I don’t give an anonymous gift to a friend in appreciation of their kindness!? I let them know my gift is a gift of gratitude to validate them. And, I guarantee if her donation weren’t made public there would be all kinds of stories about how she is cold hearted and evil because of her ties to Louisiana. She is damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t … so I would rather she does by publically expressing her concern and sharing the $resources$ to back it up!!
Taylor’s okay in my book. I haven’t seen the kardashians or Kanye do much of anything in the way of charity?
Damage control for her image and a win for the area affected.
Baton Rouge resident here. Yes the devastation for so many hear is heartbreaking. I’m blessed that my home was not flooded. Sadly, my parents lost everything. And so many more freiends, relatives, and on and on did as well. What the national news is not reporting is the size of the devastation. The footprint of the floods is the size of New Jersey. They are starting a door to door rescue here for 70,000+ residents. They have found so many victims floating in waters whom lost their lives. Please keep us in your prayers. I know our state gets a bad rap on soooo many different levels—-but LA residents really offer that sweet and welcoming southern charm and we have so much to offer to anyone that visits here. Bless Taylor Swift—(while I don’t always agree with her choices) she is so gracious to reach out to us during one of the mos horrific disasters our state has ever endured. Please keep us in your prayers.
@lsuguy
I’m in thibodaux and I’ve never heard that comparison but it sounds about right. It gives a great visual to the sheer size of this flood.
Many of my family in denham, Holden and Hammond/tickfaw lost their homes too.
Prayers to you and your friends and family. So sorry for their loss.
And also as a former Southeastern student (plus LSU)
my heart breaks for all of those in Hammond/Tib/Denham/Ponc/Holden.. The worst hit areas by far.
Yes, I was shocked by the New Jersey comparison but it was channel 9 (wafb…I believe?) whom showed the side by side. It was so shocking—I went pale 🙁
When I can visit the USA, I’ll try to make it to Louisiana . My sis family and our mom visited NO in the nineties and loved it there. I’ve been to the south and I loved the food and met wonderful people.
I wish this passes soon enough for all of you and your loved ones who are near this disaster.
Aww….thank you so much! Yes- I would recommend everyone make at least 1 trip to Louisiana in their lifetime. We have SOOOOO MUCH MORE than Mardi Gras to offer here. In fact, I tell all of my out of state friends to visit me when Mardi Gras is NOT going on. So much more enjoyable – October – December is the best time to visit …IMO!
What the national news is not reporting is the size of the devastation. The footprint of the floods is the size of New Jersey. They are starting a door to door rescue here for 70,000+ residents. They have found so many victims floating in waters whom lost their lives.