The five living former U.S. presidents have joined forces to unveil the One America Appeal in an attempt to draw increased support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, which displaced more than 1 million people and caused approximately $180 billion in destruction last month.
Additionally, the former presidents — Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama — are prepared to extend the appeal to the victims of Hurricane Irma, which is anticipated to hit the mainland this weekend.
We will confront ANY challenge, no matter how strong the winds or high the water. I’m proud to stand with Presidents for #OneAmericaAppeal.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2017
The campaign, announced by the Office of President George H.W. Bush, will premiere Thursday night with a public service announcement titled Our Friends in Texas on NBC during the NFL’s opening game of the New England Patriots hosting the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL will continue to support and promote the PSA.
All five living former presidents come together in a message for Americans:
We are all in this together.https://t.co/0bAaL74GbK pic.twitter.com/dmJf3M9d4w— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) September 7, 2017
A second PSA will be released over the weekend discussing Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
A restricted account was created through the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation to gather and distribute donations and safeguard 100 percent of the donations go toward helping hurricane victims. Funds for Hurricane Harvey victims will be given to the Houston Harvey Relief Fund and the Rebuild Texas Fund.
President Trump later tweeted about the effort, saying he is “proud” of the former presidents.
We will confront ANY challenge, no matter how strong the winds or high the water. I’m proud to stand with Presidents for #OneAmericaAppeal.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2017
Our Friends in Texas can be viewed by visiting OneAmericaAppeal.org. Donations can also be made on the site.