When disaster strikes celebrities are the first ones to jump on the “helping” bandwagon.  It’s a win-win for the cause and for the celebrity. They get the chance to promote relief efforts for a disaster with their recognizable name, while promoting their own brand in a positive light.

George Clooney hosted a star-studded benefit concert for Haiti relief that featured names like Bono and Rihanna.  The concert was immensely successful and raised a whopping $68 million for the victims of Haiti.  The star power helped to raise awareness of the devastation in Haiti to those who otherwise may not have cared.  Celebrities who lend their time are essentially promoting themselves in a positive light, while helping a cause that is timely.

When the devastating oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico it wasn’t five days before a benefit concert was being planned.  Lenny Kravitz, John Legand and Ani DiFranco were among the A- listers to perform during Gulf Aid, which raised over  $300,000 for relief efforts. Along with the crisis and relief efforts that were covered by every major news station, the Gulf Aid benefit concert and its celebrity contributors were among top newsmakers.

When celebrities throw their efforts into a timely cause they not only benefit the relief efforts, they also benefit themselves and their personal brand. Mel Gibson, if you are listening, there is still a ton of work that needs to be done in the Gulf!