[Archive 2017-10-24] Five United States ex-presidents raise relief funds at hurricane event

Historical archive — originally published 2017-10-24. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

On Saturday night, former United States presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and father and son George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush attended a concert at the Reed Arena in Texas to raise funds for hurricane relief. This came after a week of comments from Obama and the younger Bush that many in the press have read as critical of the sitting president, Donald Trump.

The event, called "Deep from the Heart: The One America Appeal", part of the One America Appeal charity effort, featured country music and gospel performers such as Lyle Lovett and Yolanda Adams, and an appearance by singer Lady Gaga. The funds raised are meant to aid victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, which struck U.S. soil in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Former President Carter told the audience that Habitat for Humanity, a charity with which he works closely, has pledged to build 6000 homes in the affected areas.

By later Sunday representatives of the appeal said it had raised well over US$30 million from over 80,000 separate donors.

The Reed Arena is part of Texas A&M University, which is also home to former President George H.W. Bush's presidential library.

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