Sammy Hagar Makes Midwest Floods Donation

Former Van Halen front-man Sammy Hagar recently showed his support for victims of the flooding in the Midwest.

Touring Iowa with his band Sammy and the Waboritas, the singer made a personal donation of $5,000 to the The Salvation Army, which has helped 47,400 people in Iowa alone. The charity is also coordinating and providing all meals and hydration in Cedar Rapids as well as the evacuated town of Palo.

Hagar commented that touring away from his Northern California home lets him feel what he sees on TV.

“I find it hard to come through a community that’s been touched by a disaster without giving something back,” Hagar said.

Harrah’s Casino matched Hagar’s donation, and a joint check for $10,000 was presented to the charity at the Stir Bar at Harrah’s in Council Bluffs Friday afternoon.

Hagar said he was grateful for all the support he has received throughout the years from his fans, and felt this was a way to give back.

“I want to thank my fans for putting me in a position to help,” he said.

“It is a shame what the residents of this region have been put through with the floods. I felt it was the least I could do while I am here.”

Capt. Joel Arthur, senior pastor for the Salvation Army in Council Bluffs, accepted the donation on behalf of the charity, saying, “Every donation is a blessing and help. When people like Sammy and Harrah’s give, it’s a tremendous thing.”