Last week, we watched in rapt horror as Haiti succumbed to a devastating 7.0 earthquake. And, if you’re like us, the first question on your mind was, “How can I help?” We trust you’ve already made an initial donation of money or time. But, now that there’s controversy over where exactly the money you donate to Wyclef Jean’s Yele is going, we thought you might be interested know about a variety of other opportunities to combine your concern for Haiti with your arts and pop culture obsessions. After the jump, check out how fans of Lady Gaga, George Clooney and even Team Coco can support relief efforts.
George Clooney’s Telethon: Friday at 8 p.m. the dreamy, socially conscious actor’s telethon will air on, oh, just about every TV station out there: ABC, NBC, CNN, HBO, CBS, FOX, BET, The CW and all of the myriad MTV networks. Wyclef Jean and Anderson Cooper will co-host, and musical guests are rumored to include Bono, Sting, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys, although an official lineup has not been confirmed.
Fucked Up’s Test Pressings Auction:The band, which also recently recorded a charity version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, is auctioning off test pressings of its Couple Tracks LP. The bidding ends Tuesday around 2 p.m. ET, and the album won’t be available in stores until the 26th.
Buy an “I’m with Coco” T-shirt: In just another instance of Team Coco kicking Team Leno’s ass, illustrator Mike Mitchell — the creator of the already iconic “I’m with Coco” image — is donating a portion of his proceeds to Haitian earthquake relief.
Blink-182’s Charity T-Shirt: The punk trio has also created a T-shirt for sale at the bargain price of $15, exclusively on its website. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
Shop Gaga January 24: On Sunday, all proceeds from Lady Gaga’s website and New York concert (including tickets and merch) will go to Haiti relief. Gaga is also selling her own Haiti relief T-shirt.
The Bell House’s Star-Studded Benefit: On January 27, Jimmy Fallon headlines a diverse bill including Ted Leo, Eugene Mirman, a rare performance from The Wrens, and New York State Senator Diane Savino (you know, the lady who recently made a tear-inducing pro-gay marriage speech that nonetheless failed to sway state Republicans) at Brooklyn’s Bell House. All proceeds will be divided equally between Save the Children and Partners in Health.
City Winery’s 4-Night Emergency Benefit: Our friends at City Winery have announced a 4-night emergency benefit concert for Haiti relief that begins on January 20. Wednesday night will feature performances by Patti Smith, Swell Season, Josh Ritter, and John Wesley Harding; Thursday’s lineup includes Lewis Black, Vernon Reid & Corey Glover of Living Colour, Rich Pagano & The Sugarcane Cups, Marshall Crenshaw, and David Johansen; Sunday (1/24) it’s a double bill of Rosanne Cash and Madeleine Peyroux; Monday’s (1/25) show includes 15 indie artists who are TBA. General admission is $50, but a $200 ticket gets you a bottle of City Winery Haiti Relief Fund wine signed by the artists who have performed and donated their time.
Use the comments to let us know about other culture-related opportunities to aid Haitian earthquake victims.