Dave Chappelle has just donated $50,000 to a non-profit organization in Flint, MI. The comedian was performing in the area when he made the stunning announcement.
Chappelle’s gift to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, which will directly benefit the children affected by the 2014 Flint water crisis, was announced during the comedian’s June 7 comedy show at The Whiting in Flint. “I’m honored that you guys came here tonight,” Chapelle told the crowd. “I want you to know that just by coming to see me you supported this city. I’m not taking a dime.”
According to TMZ, Chappelle presented Isaiah Oliver (CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint) with a check onstage at the show. Oliver later expressed his gratitude for Dave’s commitment and further stated the money would directly aid children who have been exposed to lead in Flint’s water.
The Community Foundation of Greater Flint‘s mission is to “serve the common good in Genesee County – building a strong community by engaging people in philanthropy and developing the community’s permanent endowment – now and for generations to come.” To date, the organization has raised over $17 million in gifts for Flint children affected by the water crisis and has awarded over $2.3 million in grants.
Chappelle’s donation to the Community Foundation brings his connection to the city of Flint and its water crisis full circle. Earlier this year, in his Netflix special The Age of Spin (one of the first two of three he has planned for the streaming service), the comedian admitted to letting down his community by skipping out on a Flint charity event to attend the 2016 Academy Awards with fellow comedian Chris Rock, who was hosting the event that year. His recent donation will more than likely lay any residual guilt to rest.
Chappelle is currently on the road with a plethora tour dates scheduled in Atlanta followed by dates in Colorado, Texas and Arizona.