Jolie-Pitt Foundation Donates $500K To Joplin Tornado Victims

After the Joplin tornado left more than 150 victims dead and 750 injured, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are using their wealth and status to do good once again. They announced Friday their donation of $500,000 to help with the rebuilding of the city after the May 22 tornado.

The money will be used by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, focusing on mid-term and long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding of the city.

Pitt grew up in Springfield, MO, leaving the University of Missouri to make it in Hollywood just 2 weeks before earning his degree. He expressed his memories of the city and surrounding areas in a statement announcing the couple’s donation.

“With the devastating loss of thirty percent of the city, the Joplin community faces great challenges ahead,” Pitt said. “Having spent much of my childhood there, I know these people to be hardworking, humble and especially resilient. The locally based Community Foundation of the Ozarks will be working shoulder to shoulder with these Joplin residents for the long haul as they rebuild their lives. We, too, hope to further help with these rebuilding efforts.”

“Last year 42 million people worldwide were displaced by natural disasters,” added Jolie. “So often these disasters seem far away, but now the need is for thousands of people displaced right here at home. Our hearts go out to the families in Joplin who have lost so much.”

Joplin was hit with an EF-5 tornado stretching nearly a mile wide with 200MPH winds. More than 75% of the city was left damaged, with 151 deaths confirmed as of last Friday.

This isn’t the only natural disaster Brad Pitt has donated to. Brad also started the “Make It Right Foundation,” helping repair New Orleans after the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina.

The foundation built 150 high-quality, green and affordable homes in the neighborhood, bringing worldwide attention to the need of families suffering life-altering loss.

Kudos to Brangelina for demonstrating and acting on such passion for making the world a better place. Financial assistance, sustainable efforts and strong voices in activism. I mean really, could the power couple be any more perfect?

Via MNN
Image CC licensed by World Economic Forum: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt