SEATTLE, Washington — In June, two 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit Venezuela, killing more than 6,000 people. In response, organizers planned a benefit concert featuring multiple Latin American artists. Then, in early August, a 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, killing more than 200 people and leaving nearly 500 people missing. Scientists categorized this earthquake as an intermediate-depth earthquake, meaning it occurred about 100 kilometers down inside the Earth.
According to the United Nations, nearly 80% of people living in poverty are exposed to climate hazards. This highlights how disasters and climate-related hazards can place additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.
The Colombian and Venezuelan earthquakes exemplify natural disasters that can place severe pressure on affected communities. Other hazards, including extreme heat, cold and hurricanes, can also disproportionately affect people living in poverty.
The Events
Organizers created a benefit including a concert, football match, donation centers and fundraising events to support those affected by the earthquakes. The first concert took place in Bogota, Colombia, on Aug. 15, with the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra performing at the Fabio Lozano Auditorium of Jorge Tadeo Lozano University.
“Unidos Por Los Nuestros,” which means “United for Our Own,” took place the next day, on Aug. 16, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, serving as the next concert on the agenda. Bringing together more than 30 artists, the event received support from CMN, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Arco Entertainment and others. While the concert may be the headliner in relief efforts, it was not alone. The event included an international telethon and a global fundraising campaign, encouraging donations via QR code, text or the website Univision.org.
A benefit football match also took place in Bogota’s Nemesio Camacho El Campin stadium on Aug. 21, which former Colombia captain Mario Alberto Yepes coined “Levantamos a Colombia,” translating to “We Lifted Up Colombia.”
The Goal
The event’s main goal is to encourage the global Hispanic community to support those affected by the earthquakes. It is raising funds for programs like food assistance, housing, child protection, healthcare, education, mental health and infrastructure reconstruction. The support aims to help affected communities through all stages of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Proceeds from the concert will support the nonprofit groups All Hands and Hearts, CARE, Global Empowerment Mission, Techo and World Central Kitchen.
About the Organizations
All Hands and Hearts is a “global disaster relief nonprofit that partners with communities to deliver immediate response and long-term recovery.” It focuses on sending aid to those in crisis, including temporary housing, mental health support, debris removal, mold remediation and more.
CARE is an organization that works to “improve basic education, increase access to quality health care, and expand economic opportunity for all.” It provides services such as education, healthcare, advocacy for women and climate change and economic growth.
Global Empowerment Mission provides disaster relief aid worldwide. It offers services like hygiene products, shelters, generators and medical supplies, with an average response time of just 24 hours. Techo is a youth-led nonprofit organization that works with communities to provide housing services, community centers, and clean water to those in need.
Finally, World Central Kitchen rounds out the list by providing fresh meals in response to the crisis. Using a combination of mobile kitchens, field kitchens, food trucks and other support vehicles, they have been able to cook and distribute to everyone, regardless of environment.
With the help of these organizations, all bases are covered—food, shelter, hygiene, medical supplies, education and so much more. Events such as Unidos Por Los Nuestros raised funds for nonprofits providing food, shelter, health and recovery support to affected communities.
Who Performed?
The list was extensive, starting with salsa and tropical music artists like Marc Anthony, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón and Jonathan Moly. Moving into more traditional Latin pop and romantic ballads, performers included Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Ricardo Montaner, Mau y Ricky, Lasso, SanLuis, Jorge Luis Chacín, Isadora and Manu Manzo. Reggaeton, Latin trap and urban pop hitmakers included Feid, Chino y Nacho, Jay Wheeler, Elena Rose, Piso 21, Corina Smith, Micro TDH, Jerry Di, Noreh, Alleh and Zhamira. Additionally, Silvestre Dangond brought tradition and Gente de Zona brought urban-salsa fusion. For acoustic, folk, and introspective singer-songwriter styles, the list included Joaquina and Nella, all rounded out by Free Cover, a live musical collective famous for high-energy tropical and pop live session medleys.
The Result
“Unidos por Los Nuestros,” the Miami concert, raised nearly $1.38 million, alongside an additional $500,000 donation from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean announced during the broadcast.
The football match, “Levantamos a Colombia,” raised about $810,000, with a viewership of 30,807 spectators.
Together, the two events raised about $2.19 million for earthquake relief, providing additional resources for participating organizations supporting affected communities.
– Emily Fleetwood
Emily is based in Seattle and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons