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Lady Gaga is stepping up for Hurricane Sandy victims, making a giant $1 million donation to the American Red Cross relief efforts in the area. 

 

"Today I pledge $1 million to New York & The American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief," she wrote on Nov. 7. "If it wasn't for NYC: the Lower Eastside, Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn, I would not be the woman or artist that I am today.

 

"New York is relentless ambition, a drive to succeed, a place where there is a natural pursuit of diversity through compassion. Please accept this gift on behalf of myself, my parents Joe and Cynthia, and my sister Natali; with our deepest gratitude New York for raising us. Thank you for helping me build my spirit. I will now help you rebuild yours. -- Sincerely, Lady Gaga and The Germanottas"

 

Other big donations over the past two weeks have included $100,000 from comedian Chelsea Handler and a recently announced December charity show featuring Jerry Seinfeld and opening act Colin Quinn. 

 

"I grew up on Long Island, and New York City is home," Seinfeld, 58, said in a statement. "This is a tough time for this area, and we're just glad to be able to help in the recovery." 

 

Tickets for the Dec. 19 show go on sale on Nov. 30. 

 

It is estimated that, so far, relief charities responding to Hurricane Sandy-ravaged communities have raised more than $92.3 million. 

 

Related story on MNN: How you can help Hurricane Sandy victims