Bill Clinton Penns in $500,000 Donation for Haiti

Former president gives $500,000 to Oscar winner's relief organization, which will help build a bridge through Penn-run camp

By Gina Serpe Oct 08, 2010 4:03 PMTags
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Looks like Wyclef Jean's not getting Bill Clinton's vote. And vice versa, no doubt.

Planting himself firmly on Team Sean Penn, the former prez has donated $500,000 to the Oscar winner's charity, the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, through his own Clinton Foundation.

So, what's Penn gonna do with all that cash?

PHOTOS: Celeb do-gooders!

A supporter of Penn's from the get-go, Clinton's half-million-dollar contribution will help provide funding to build a new bridge in Petionville, a camp run by Penn's organization.

"Rebuilding housing for more than one million people displaced by the earthquake will take time, as teams on the ground continue to clear rubble and build infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems," Clinton said in a statement.

"In the interim, our commitment to the Petionville camp, managed by J/P HRO, will ensure the 55,000 people living there, including many children, can access health care, education, and job training services until families are able to move into more permanent homes."

For his part, Penn wasted no time in publicly thanking No. 42 for the generous donation, telling People that the money "is an extraordinary boost" for his organization's efforts and will allow it to continue its work in Haiti.

"From the beginning, the Clinton Foundation staff and leadership have generously shared expertise and essential logistical support."

In other words, sometimes it takes a man to raise a village.