As musicians who have the benefit of the spotlight from time to time, we feel it is our duty to aid in raising awareness and financial support to help remedy the awful situation in the Gulf Of Mexico.

I see what's happening on the news everyday and how it only gets worse.  I think of my future and my children's future and we need to do something.  My band, Buckcherry, wrote a song called "Our World" for our upcoming album.  The song touches upon the environmental crisis that plagues the world every day.

A few weeks after writing and recording the song, the oil spill occurred.  We recently went back into the studio to re-write the lyrics based on what was happening in the Gulf.  We released this version exclusively on iTunes and are donating the proceeds to those affected by this disaster.  People can also visit www.buckcherry.com to donate to the cause.

It is so important that each and every one of us do what we can to help those out whose lives have been harshly impacted by the oil spill.

- Josh Todd, Buckcherry lead singer/songwriter

I wrote my new song, The Land, The Sea & The Sky, originally to show our connection with the Earth because I have long been an advocate of the Earth and then when I first heard about the Gulf disaster I just knew I had to do something more.  Like many people, in those first few days I felt helpless and didn't know what I could do.  But we can all help, if you can't personally go down and volunteer, we can at least support the people who are.

Every penny of profits from The Land, The Sea & The Sky goes to Waterkeeper Alliance, who is on the frontlines of helping clean up the affected environment and creatures, test for toxicity, work with the fisherfolk to put their lives back together, and train volunteers to help.  I hope your fans will download it from iTunes or my website.  People can click here to learn more about Waterkeepers efforts.

With the help of you and your viewers, it is vital that we keep this crisis at the top of the news every day. It is a crisis of monumental proportions.  Today I heard from John Wathen, Hurricane Creekkeeper who told me that he has "horrid photos of entire pods of dolphins and a Sperm Whale trying to escape the oil slick.”

And the oil is still flowing.  Every day.  We have not even begun to see the havoc it will wreak.  Now is the time for everyone on the ground to raise their voices for all of the creatures and people who depend upon the Gulf for their lives and livelihoods.

I am so proud to be partnering with Waterkeepers, who are the voice for the Gulf Coast's waters.  The Gulf Waterkeepers are our first line of defense against the BP oil disaster. Their incredible knowledge of the marshes, wetlands, beaches and inner-coastal waters make them invaluable first responders.  Their commitment makes them critical and effective community leaders.  Their wealth of scientific, legal and political expertise provides answers to the questions we have about our environment.  Their dedication to a full recovery of the Gulf is unmatched.  Spread the word by sharing on Twitter and Facebook.  You can be sure I will be tweeting about it for many months to come @therealsophieb.  Please support them by downloading the song or donating to them directly, and together, we can Save Our Gulf.

Thank you again, together we can accomplish what separated would destroy us.

Sophie B. Hawkins

In times of disaster, people often focus on the immediate needs—which is critically important—but these events can also affect people and animals for a very long time. Morris Animal Foundation established the Betty White Wildlife Rapid Response Fund in March to help wildlife researchers respond to unexpected events, such as natural or manmade disasters and emerging diseases, that result in the immediate need for animal health research. We had no idea we would need to use the fund so soon, but I’m glad that it’s available to help animals in the gulf.

Currently, about 160 bottlenose dolphins, spanning five generations, live in Sarasota Bay, and the oil spill could have profound effects on their health, behavior and reproductive success if they are exposed to the oil and related chemicals spilled and the dispersants used to clean the site. The first grant we’re giving provides scientists with immediate funds to begin important research on the oil spill’s long-term effects on dolphins.

The ramifications of this spill will be both short and long term. I hope the information learned in this study will help monitor the long-term effects this kind of disasters has on animals.

Actress & comedian Betty White has always been a powerful advocate for the welfare of animals. You can see her on TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland.”