Say what you will about Bethenny Frankel, but she knows how to get sh*t done. The Real Housewives Of New York star has sprung into action since the devastation of Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and its surrounding areas, rallying business, volunteers, and donations through her organization, B Strong.
So far, Bethenny’s efforts – largely spread through social media outreach – have recruited two hundred volunteers, $80k in donations, and thousands of supplies for disaster relief to those affected by the tragedy. Bethenny has also pledged, herself, to travel to Houston to aid in distribution of gift cards and organize outreach. Her fundraising efforts are geared toward women and families in crisis.
Bethenny’s staff has been working around the clock to organize relief efforts, and the Skinnygirl mogul has been sharing constant updates via video, tweets, Instagram, and Facebook posts on her personal accounts.
Three days ago, Bethenny posted a rallying cry on Instagram for people to get involved through her organization to help those in need. She wrote, “What’s happening in Texas is devastating, but the response from people around the country is inspiring. #BStrong will be making a donation to help @dressforsuccesswomen in need in #Houston & #CorpusChristi. Donate and find out more at bethenny.com/bstrong. #linkinbio #womenhelpingwomen #THISISACRISIS”
Bethenny followed up with an explanation of why B Strong is helping out the effort.
“B Strong was created to help women in crisis. This is a crisis. We are pledging $30K to go directly to @DressforSuccess women affected by Hurricane Harvey in #Houston and #CorpusChristi. Click the link in my BIO – Bethenny.com/Bstrong – to donate and make sure help goes immediately to women in need. I am calling on STRONG successful women to join me and act now. Bethenny.com/BStrong #Thisisacrisis #bstrong #womenhelpingwomen.”
After only one day of fundraising, B Strong raised an additional $50k. Bethenny later posted a video describing how to donate. She shared, “100 PERCENT of the donations we are raising go to women and families in need in the Houston area. #thisisacrisis #bstrong#workingforyoutexas To donate click the link in my BIO – Bethenny.com/Bstrong. For questions e-mail: BStrong@bethenny.com For updates tune into my Facebook Live at 3pm EST.” Bethenny, her staff, and the B Strong organization will not be dipping into any of the funds to reimburse their own time and work.
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Updating her Twitter feed with names of small businesses and grassroots organizations who are jumping on board to donate, Bethenny encouraged her followers, “Please take note & support the brands I’m mentioning. Many are female startups & billion dollar cos said no to us. Give them LOVE.” Companies have donated everything from bedding and money to tampons, bras, and personal supplies for those in need.
Bethenny had also been lining up volunteers to distribute the goods, which she will organize and oversee. “We have over 200 volunteers lined up,” Bethenny tweeted just hours ago, in response to one follower wondering how supplies will reach the people of Texas.
Well, Bethenny, all I can say is BRAVO! (And I don’t mean the network.)
To get involved, check out Bethenny’s video on B Strong’s relief efforts.
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Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo, Instagram
