Jimmy Fallon has a long list of famous friends who will appear on The Tonight Show and play variety games anytime he wants, but now he’s calling them together for a much more important cause.
Residents of Flint, Michigan, are in the midst of a water crisis after the city’s water supply became contaminated and laced with lead from aging pipes. The crisis, which began when state officials switched the water supply from Detroit to the Flint River, prompted President Obama to declare a state of emergency. It is believed that thousands of children have been exposed to lead, and residents are still in need of clean water.
Celebrities like Cher, Eminem, Mark Wahlberg, Wiz Khalifa, and Sean “Diddy” Combs are telling their fans about the crisis and have collectively donated thousands of bottles to Flint. Fallon is joining the effort, but he isn’t doing so alone.
The late-night host tweeted to his 34.7 million followers that he planned to donate $10,000 to Community Foundation Greater Flint (CFGF) to provide drinking water to residents, and he challenged 10 of his friends to do the same.
Happy Sunday!! I’m donating $10,000 to https://t.co/JqAiRlCWrS. How about 10 friends match me? #WaterForFlint
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) January 24, 2016
Almost instantly, Fallon started getting pledges from other celebrities who promised to match his $10,000 donation.
@jimmyfallon – done
— ROSIE (@Rosie) January 26, 2016
You got it @jimmyfallon – matching your $10,000 donation! https://t.co/KY0cRRZ1ih #WaterForFlint. Let’s all donate!! pic.twitter.com/97nOnnLSAk
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 26, 2016
Always follow the lead of your lead-in. @jimmyfallon, I’m in for 10K! https://t.co/79MvkMePnh #WaterForFlint
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) January 26, 2016
.@jimmyfallon @Rosie I’m in as well. #WaterForFlint
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) January 26, 2016
It’s only been a few days since Fallon’s initial challenge, but the support is already impressive. He’s very grateful to the people who have stepped up.
Thank you, Madonna. You’re always the first to step up. #WaterForFlint https://t.co/LZ7oMMBCnz
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) January 26, 2016
Rosie!! Great!!! #WaterForFlint https://t.co/UKdcsINATM
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) January 26, 2016
My man! Thank you, Seth. https://t.co/pZIsT7HP3w
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) January 26, 2016
Yes!!!! Good man, Jon! https://t.co/9tRqRoTfLE
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) January 26, 2016
Thanks to Fallon’s large TV and Internet platforms, it’s likely that even more celebrities and donations will heed his call and donate to Flint.
Illustration by Max Fleishman
