Today Parkwood Entertainment, the entertainment and management company founded by Beyoncé, presented United Way of Genesee County with a generous donation of $82,234. to support residents of Flint, as they continue to feel the impacts of the water crisis.
Ivy McGregor, director of philanthropy and corporate relations, presented the check at an event at a high school in Detroit, where United Way for Southeastern Michigan is supporting an innovative high school turnaround initiative.
Parkwood also announced that 14 students selected high school principals and faculty will receive college gifts to help with their educational expenses. Students were also surprised with tickets to Beyoncé’s Detroit show of the Formation World Tour.
“We were pleased to announce the collective funds raised through our United Way relationship which allowed fans to donate online to the Flint water crisis at the point of purchasing Beyoncé Formation World Tour concert ticket,” Ms. McGregor said.
BeyGOOD, the philanthropic platform of Beyoncé, has partnered with United Way throughout the Formation World Tour to both support Flint and volunteerism in local communities across North America.
Fans who purchased tickets to the Beyoncé Formation World Tour shows provided donations to support the work of United Way of Genesee County, which is continuing to respond to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. United Way of Genesee County has been at the forefront of distributing bottled water and filtration systems, as well as providing and emergency support services to those in need. After all the short-term needs of Flint residents have been met, United Way of Genesee County will provide any remaining funds to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, which will provide long-term developmental, educational and health support to children and families in the area.
In addition to the financial support to the community of Flint, BeyGOOD is also inspiring fans across the country to get involved in local community events supporting needs surround the areas of education, income and health.
Throughout the duration of the tour, hundreds of Beyoncé fans have joined forces with their local United Ways across North America to help build stronger communities. From stuffing back packs with school supplies, to providing diapers for needy families to supporting local food pantries, these volunteers have been kind at the core.
“We are so grateful for the support Beyoncé has given to those in Flint and the way she has inspired her fans to fight for the education, health and financial stability of everyone in their communities,” said Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. “This partnership demonstrates just how easy it can be to give back.”
