Among celebs pledging to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts are Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z. Ellen DeGeneres, a Louisiana native, is said to be in talks to particpate in a network telethon. She said her 82-year-old aunt’s home in Pass Christian, Miss., had been destroyed. MTV Networks is planning a hurricane relief fundraiser for Sept. 10 that will feature Usher, Alicia Keys, Kanye West and others. Russell Simmons and Chris Rock are scheduled to appear on BET’s telethon to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 9.
In related news, 77-year-old R&B legend Fats Domino has been found alive among the destruction. The singer was rescued by a boat after he tried to ride out the storm.