Gloria Estefan yesterday visited victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, accompanied by a host of fellow Hispanic-American stars and a plane-load of supplies. The singer organised the trip with husband Emilio, and enlisted the help of actors Jimmy Smits, Andy Garcia, singer John Secada and US TV stars Daisy Fuentes and Don Francisco, and planned to distribute relief amongst those affected by the disaster, as well as encouraging people to give blood.
Cuban-American Estefan said: "I am privileged to help in some way. The separation of families to me is very close to my heart because we lived that as immigrants. I strongly feel that we are all connected. Having felt people's love and support first hand through difficult moments in my life makes me feel it's our responsibility to help one another."
Marsha J Evans, the American Red Cross president commented: "Responding to the needs created by this disaster will take the energy and creativity of all of us. We at the Red Cross are so grateful that the Estefans have taken it upon themselves to create this marvelous effort."