Motive aside, celebrity does help in relief efforts

Recently Russell Crowe vented a bit over fellow celebrities like Bono and Sir Bob Geldof who lend their names publicly to charitable causes. Said Crowe: “I do my bit to improve the world but I think it’s very important to get things done on the quiet. I’m sick to death of famous people standing up and using their celebrity to promote a cause.”

As it turns out, the timing of his remarks was unfortunate, coming only days before Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast area, and precipitating a dire need for emergency relief that will be helped by a benefit concert already scheduled for Friday.

“A Concert for Hurricane Relief” was thrown together in an urgent flurry of activity almost immediately after news reports sent shock waves throughout the world over the rising death toll and heartbreaking destruction in the area. The concert, which was televised on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC, featured artists who hail from the Gulf Coast region, including Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis and Tim McGraw. Matt Lauer of the “Today” show hosted the telethon, which encouraged to send donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

In addition, other events are in the works, including an MTV special on Sept. 10 involving Green Day, Usher, Ludacris and Alicia Keys, and the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon will make a special appeal on behalf of relief efforts.

I don’t mean to make Russell Crowe out to be the insensitive, unfeeling bad guy in the wake of an unprecedented American tragedy, because in a way I know what he means.

Sincere dedication
I believe Bono, Geldof and others are sincerely dedicated to making the world a better place, and for every very public act they undertake, they probably do 10 more behind the scenes. I think they’re secure enough that they don’t need to resort to standing on a stage at a benefit concert and soak in adoring applause to massage their egos. I believe they do it because they’re answering a calling.

EXCLUSIVE ONLINE AUCTION BY MSNBC.COM Make a bid on a unique Gibson guitar that is autographed by several celebrity stars. All funds will go to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Auction ends Friday Sept. 9.

But human nature being what it is, there are times when you wonder if certain somebodies aren’t pushing their way into the charitable spotlight because it’s the thing to do, and they want to feel they belong among A-list philanthropists. I’m sure those are the types Crowe is grousing about.

The question is: Does it really matter?

MORE FROM A CONCERT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

A Concert for Hurricane Relief Section Front

Stars become ‘One’ with Katrina victims Blogging ‘Shelter from the Storm’ Autographed guitar auctioned for $30,900 Video: Connick sings for survivors Celebs pledge money, time to relief efforts Stars shine in Katrina benefit Make your donations for hurricane relief Ventre: Celebrity helps in relief efforts   Slide show: Massive devastation A Concert for Hurricane Relief Section Front   Add A Concert for Hurricane Relief headlines to your news reader: