MIAMI – As economists warn more people will be unemployed in the coming weeks and months, some wealthy celebrities and athletes are stepping up to help their communities.
In Miami, Alonzo Mourning and Gloria and Emilio Estefan are determined to fight hunger.
Like everyone else, Gloria and Emilio Estefan are isolating at home, watching images on TV of our heath care workers and first responders keeping us safe and healthy as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone is helping out,” Gloria Estefan said. “We're so thankful to those first responders because they're really putting their lives on the line and that's what counts.”
To show their gratitude, the Estefan’s came up with the perfect thank you.
“And we thought, ‘What better way than to feed them.’ We've got great food that we can share,” Gloria Estefan said.
Free meals from their Miami restaurant will be delivered every day for the next month to many of those fighting on the front lines.
“We're going to Jackson to Baptist to police and fire and we're going to do it 7 days a week for the next 30 days for sure,” Gloria Estefan said. “We're going to help for as long as we can because we feel that it's our duty and it makes us very happy to be of service in any way we can.”
For years, the couple has fed the homeless and needy on Thanksgiving and Gloria says it's important for all of us to stay connected now more than ever
“We’re very thankful and grateful for all the love and support we’ve always received from all of you, so you will always have that from us,” she said.
Since Philadelphia 76ers partner Michael Rubin started The “All In Challenge” to raise money for Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry, musicians, actors, and other athletes have joined his effort.
Miami’s Alex Rodriguez and Dwayne Wade have both stepped up. The growing list also includes Magic Johnson, Tom Brady, Justin Bieber, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres and Ryan Seacrest.