Stars come out to support Hope for Haiti Now telethon

Last night, MTV hosted the most widely distributed telethon in history, Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief. Partners In Health was one of the seven organizations benefiting from proceeds raised through the event.

“Tonight, we want you to give so we can all come together and help Haiti rise from the ruins,” said actor Samuel L. Jackson, one of the many celebrities who appeared on the telethon.  “Every time you call… the doctors and nurses at Partners In Health can do even more to provide medical care to the survivors,” he said.

The telethon will continue over the weekend on MTV’s website, and performances from some of the biggest names in music will be on sale on iTunes. These proceeds will also go directly to relief and long-term recovery in Haiti.

"All of us at Partners In Health are overwhelmed by the generosity of people around the world who donated to the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon,” said PIH Executive Director Ophelia Dahl. “We are thankful to the many talented celebrities who gave their time to generate support for this cause and all those in the entertainment industry who made this remarkable show happen. Partners In Health, together with hundreds of other partner organizations, have been able to make great strides in the emergency medical relief. The funds raised will go a long way in helping us provide medical equipment and supplies as we work with the Ministry of Health in Haiti to strengthen the public health infrastructure in the months and years to come."

Haitian musician Emeline Michel was one of the many artists performing on the telethon. Watch her version of Jimmy Cliff's gospel-inspired "Many Rivers To Cross" below.   

Watch performances by Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Wyclef Jean, Beyonce, Coldplay and many more on MTV's website. Video clips are also available on Youtube.com and Hulu.com.