As I write this post, Hurricane Irma is pummeling Naples, where my parents and sister live – and decided to stay and ride out the storm. The storm forced evacuations all over the state and left lots of folks stranded, including actress Kristen Bell, who is in Orlando filming the movie Like Father. The 37-year-old actress, staying at the Swan and Dolphin resort at Walt Disney World (nice digs), got some emergency supplies prior to the storm, posting a shot with her survival haul on Instagram. In the accompanying caption, she said, “We didn’t have the option to leave so here we are. Just doing our best and trying to stay positive but cautious, and trying to help those who need help prepping.”
Kristen did more than try to help, she put her money where her mouth was, getting accommodations at her hotel for the family of her Frozen co-star, Josh Gad. Josh hails from Hollywood, Florida, which is just north of Miami. His family, including his parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and niece and nephews, found themselves stranded in Florida as Irma approached. With hotel rooms at a premium, Kristen was able to get them settled in at the Swan and, to say Josh was grateful is an understatement.
The actor, who most recently appeared in Beauty and the Beast, posted a photo of Kristen with his parents. He gushed in the caption, “They don’t make them like this girl. Thank you Kristen. You are truly an angel sent from above.” In a tweet, he reiterated the sentiment, adding, “you are an angel. I adore you.”
Not only did Kristen offer Josh’s family shelter from the storm, she also helped raise the spirits of her fellow Irma refugees by providing a little entertainment. She posted a picture to Instagram, calling out the musical skills of a local law enforcement representative and another volunteer, adding the caption, “When youre #singinginahurricane, your volunteer back up dancers can & will steal the show.” It sure looks like the cop is having a blast.
I lived in Florida for the majority of my life, and I never had to deal with a direct hit from a hurricane. This one is no joke, but I think it’s great that Kristen is doing what she can to help out and keep people’s minds off of the storm. She is truly a princess. I wish she could go check up on my folks though. Stay safe, Florida.
Photos: WENN.com, Getty Images
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