(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) 2017-10-22"/> October 22, 2017 All five of America's living former presidents took the stage Saturday at a benefit concert in Texas to raise money for victims of the hurricane-ravaged southern United States and Caribbean.
"Let's all work together and make America still a greater volunteer nation," said Carter, making an apparent play on President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.
"I too am here to urge you to give to this fine fund, and I want to thank all the volunteers," the younger Bush said.
- 'We need each other' -
Former first ladies Barbara and Laura Bush both attended the event, as did vice president Dick Chaney, ex-secretary of state James A. Baker, Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Lady Gaga gave a surprise performance at the concert, announcing that she would make a $1 million donation and that a "mental health and emotional trauma surviving program" would be set up for hurricane survivors.
"Pain is such an equalizer. And in a time of catastrophe, we all put our differences aside and we come together, 'cause we need each other, or we can't survive," she said.
Lee Greenwood opened the concert and served as master of ceremonies for the event, titled "Deep From the Heart: The One America Appeal," which also featured artists including The Gatlin Brothers, Yolanda Adams, Robert Earl Keen and Sam Moore.
Trump did not attend the concert, but praised the effort in a video message released earlier, terming it a "wonderful" and "vital effort."
"As we begin to rebuild, some of America's finest public servants are spearheading the One America Appeal," said Trump, whose administration's response to the heavy storm damage in Puerto Rico has drawn fire.
"Melania and I want to express our deep gratitude for your tremendous assistance," he said.
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