LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Leonardo DiCaprio is offering a walk-on role in his next movie, Justin Bieber says he will serenade the winner in their hometown, and Ellen DeGeneres is offering one lucky American the chance to co-host an episode of “The Ellen Show.”
Former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, offering a one-on-one batting lesson and lunch, and National Football League quarterback Tom Brady, whose offer is a private workout, are also among dozens of celebrities taking part in the #AllInChallenge, to raise money to help feed Americans affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
“Bob [De Niro] and I are going to be starring in a film called ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and if you’ve ever wondered what it is be like to work with the great Martin Scorsese, this is your chance,” DiCaprio said in a social media video posting with Robert De Niro on Wednesday.
“We’re offering a walk-on role, you’ll spend the day on the set with the three of us, and of course you’ll attend the premiere,” De Niro added.
The challenge, launched on Tuesday by businessman Michael Rubin, asks celebrities to offer unique experiences. Some are available for auction to the highest bidder while others operate as a sweepstake to anyone donating as little as $10.
By Wednesday more than 50 celebrities had signed on for the challenge, raising more than $4 million for food charities including Feeding America, No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels, according to the AllInChallenge website.
The idea is the latest initiative by celebrities to support the millions of Americans who have been thrown out of work and seen their lives upended by the coronavirus which has killed more than 30,000 people in the United States.
Dozens of musicians, actors and sports stars were also due to take part in a two-hour global concert on Saturday to show support for healthcare, grocery store and other workers on the front lines of efforts to slow the epidemic.
Some famous faces have been stepping up to help the world’s most vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic, ranging from donating cash to more quirky offers of support.
Pop singer Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation has joined forces with Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to donate $6.2 million to 11 organizations, including some helping victims of domestic abuse and homeless or trafficked youth affected by the coronavirus lockdowns.
Rapper Snoop Dogg has sent vegan Beyond Meat burgers to a Los Angeles hospice. Model Karlie Kloss and comedian Kevin Hart are also among the brand’s ambassadors and supporters backing its pledge to donate more than a million burgers.
DJ Fatboy Slim plans to show his praise for healthcare workers by hosting a free club night in Britain for thousands of medical staff and other front-line responders so they can dance away their stresses.
Country music star Dolly Parton is hoping to help find a cure for the coronavirus, donating $1 million towards medical research after hearing of “exciting developments” in the field.
U2 musician and veteran campaigner Bono has made a diplomatic intervention by writing to South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in asking him to help Ireland as it battles with shortages of medical supplies.
Additionally, pop star Britney Spears has been hailed an unexpected campaigner for workers and the vulnerable after sharing a post on social media which called for re-distribution of wealth to help others.
