Atlanta native Ryan Seacrest donates $1 million to house first responders
Ryan Seacrest is donating $1 million to feed and house first responders battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Seacrest, co-host of “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “American Idol” — and a 1992 graduate of Dunwoody High School — told People magazine 75% of the donation will go to firefighters and emergency medical technicians in New York.
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"New York and Los Angeles are very special places to me and so I wanted to do something in the immediate to give back in these unprecedented times," Seacrest told People.
“After seeing a news report about first responders sleeping in their cars in New York to avoid putting their loved ones at risk, I wanted to do something to help make sure these New Yorkers stay safe while they’re away from their families busy taking care of ours,” he said.
Seacrest, who left the University of Georgia at 19 to move to Los Angeles and pursue a broadcasting career, will house and feed 200 first responders with the FDNY and EMTs in New York City apartments for the next six weeks through the First Responders Children’s Foundation, People reported.
Seacrest has supported children's charities for a decade through media centers he has set up at pediatric hospitals across the country.
Seacrest will host ABC’s "The Disney Family Singalong" on Thursday, April 16, featuring celebrities and their families taking on their favorite Disney tunes. The special will air 8 p.m. EST on WSB-TV Channel 2.
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About the Author
Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.
