Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro launch virus charity drive

LOS ANGELES: Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro have rallied fellow Hollywood celebrities in a new coronavirus fundraising campaign by offering a walk-on role in their upcoming film to one lucky donor.

The actors are set to star in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ one of next year’s most hotly anticipated movies, directed by Martin Scorsese and tells the true story of Native American killings in 1920s Oklahoma.

“If you ever wondered what it was like to be able to work with the great Martin Scorsese, this is your chance,” said DiCaprio in an Instagram video. The randomly selected winner will also have lunch with the stars and director and attend the premiere.

The initiative is part of the #AllInChallenge launched which sees celebrities including movie and sport stars auction or donate to once-in-a-lifetime fan experience and challenge others to do the same.

 

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We recently launched #AmericasFoodFund to help make sure every family in need gets access to food at this critical time. Our most vulnerable communities need our support now more than ever. That’s why we’re asking you to help us with the #AllinChallenge. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be able to work with the great @martinscorsese_, Robert De Niro and myself, this is your chance. Robert and I are going to be starring in a new movie called Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese. We want to offer you a walk-on role, the opportunity to spend the day on the set with the three of us, and attend the premiere. To take part, please go to allinchallenge.com and donate whatever you can. 100% of your donation will go to @MealsonWheelsAmerica, @NoKidHungry and #AmericasFoodFund (@wckitchen & @feedingamerica) @officiallymcconaughey, @theellenshow and @iamjamiefoxx, will you go all in with us?

A post shared by Leonardo DiCaprio (@leonardodicaprio) on Apr 15, 2020 at 5:44am PDT

The opportunities include having Justin Bieber fly to your house for a private show, watching a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game ringside with Magic Johnson, or play golf with Rob Lowe have collectively raised $4 million so far.

The organisers hope to raise $100 million. All proceeds go to charities providing food relief to those in need during the lockdown, including charities such as Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry and America’s Food Fund, launched this month by DiCaprio and Laurene Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

In his video DiCaprio challenged Ellen DeGeneres, who within hours responded by offering a chance to co-host her chat show, and Matthew McConaughey, who invited a donor to join him in his private box to watch an American Football game in Texas.

I’m all in. I hope you will be too. #ALLINCHALLENGE @LeoDiCaprio @JTimberlake @LauraDern pic.twitter.com/NiT68M7pdS

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 15, 2020

The campaign is the latest in a series of high-profile celebrity initiatives over the deadly coronavirus pandemic, from singer Rihanna’s donations to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s new $1 billion relief fund.

Seinfeld co-creator Larry David started a $150,000 GoFundMe campaign to support out-of-work golf caddies at his highly exclusive Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

hey ya’ll, I’ve accepted the #ALLINCHALLENGE. Go to https://t.co/oCLLVTWD8J and donate for a chance to win a chance to join me at a @UTAustin Football Game. Let’s come together to feed the hungry during these tough times. I challenge @jimmykimmel + @jonahhill – are you ALL IN!? pic.twitter.com/mCZg8hyBL1

— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) April 15, 2020