Celine Dion donates proceeds of first show after Las Vegas shooting
The ever-philanthropic superstar Celine Dion has donated the proceeds of her show Tuesday night at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace to the victims and families of Sunday’s Route 91 shooting on the Strip.
“On Sunday we lost too many beautiful, innocent souls, and so many are still suffering, but tonight we’re going to let these families know that we are supporting them and that we will help them through their tragic loss,” Celine told the audience at the top of the show. “We dedicate tonight’s show to all of the victims and their families, and to the first responders, and to the doctors and nurses who are working around the clock to save lives, and to so many heroes who did whatever they could to help complete strangers in a time of desperate need.”
The show was Dion’s first at Caesars since Sunday’s shooting, which left 58 dead and more than 530 injured.
Dion’s production partners AEG Presents and Caesars Entertainment teamed for the contribution. Neither the specific amount nor which organization would receive the donation has been announced.
Dion has forged a long history of charitable work through her 15 years headlining on the Strip. On Sept. 19, she announced (also from the stage) she had set up donation boxes for the American Red Cross to aid hurricane victims in the Southeast.
A groundbreaking performer on the Strip, Dion has performed 1,058 shows at the Colosseum since opening in March 2003. She has entertained more than 4 million fans during that time in Las Vegas.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.