Eminem has pledged to match donations up to $100,000 to a Michigan-based charity that helps provide a network of support for children in need.
The rapper and his Marshall Mathers Foundation have made the challenge to fans to help his home state through the charity Wolverine Human Services. Eminem grew up in Warren and Detroit and now lives in Rochester Hills.
Fans have until 11:59 pm on Tuesday to make a qualifying donation, but there is still a long way to go. As of Monday at 9 pm the amount raised by fans had reached just $9,200.
Wolverine Human Services offers a range of programs for families, including foster care, adoption, and substance abuse treatment. The non-profit organization describes its mission as:
“Wolverine’s programs focus on adolescents suffering from the social injustices of abuse and neglect and those involved in delinquent activities. Our mission is to offer the most appropriate settings and most effective services to children, their families and their communities. Our purpose is to take part in a mutual effort, assisting those in need to overcome social and economic barriers, to capitalize on their personal strengths, and to contribute to their own healing.”
Eminem has seemed especially grateful for his own recovery from substance abuse. The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, said his life has changed drastically since getting clean, and he credits hip-hop with saving him .
“I’m as happy as I can be, I guess. Hip-hop saved my life, man. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been even decent at. I don’t know how to do anything else. I think they have a word for that — what do they call it? Idiot savant?”
Anyone interested in giving to Wolverine Human Services can click here . Eminem and the Marshall Mathers Foundation will match donations made up until midnight on Tuesday.