Ricky Martin to Help Raise Funds for Pulse Memorial and Museum

Ricky Martin has teamed up with the onePULSE Foundation to launch the OUTLOVE HATE campaign to raise funds for a permanent national Pulse memorial and museum. The project is set to commemorate the site of the Pulse Nightclub venue that, in 2016, was the site of a mass shooting where 49 people lost their lives. The goal is to raise $49 million from one million participants donating $49 each to fund not just the proposed memorial and museum, but also education programs, community outreach, and legacy scholarships. Martin, in an unpaid position, will make a series of public service announcements, social media posts, and other contributions to the cause.

"I'm excited to assist onePULSE Foundation with engagement and awareness-building opportunities as they build the National Pulse Memorial & Museum," Martin said in a statement. "The OUTLOVE HATE campaign is the perfect way to start our partnership."

"We are thrilled to have one of the best-selling international music artists of all time join our Pulse family as a national spokesperson," Earl Crittenden, onePULSE Foundation board chair, said in a statement announcing the move. "His global platform allows us to share our mission with even more audiences, ensuring Pulse's legacy of love lives on forever."

Starting this Valentine's Day, users visiting the OUTLOVE HATE website (www.outlovehate.com) can enter to become an actual part of the memorial. After making a donation, participants can upload a selfie to the site which will become a part of the project.

"Participation allows you to be a 'Face of Change' and part of both a global digital mural and a permanent mosaic tile on display in the Pulse Museum," explained Crittenden.

The Pulse nightclub in Orlando was the scene of a massacre by Islamic State follower Omar Mateen in June 2016. He killed 49 people at the popular gay establishment during a three-hour shooting before being killed himself.

The onePULSE Foundation earlier announced the winners of a global design competition for the memorial. The winning design concept features looping paths, a reflecting pool, and a garden planted with 49 trees in a color palette of 49 colors. The museum will also feature interactive sculptures, vertical gardens, and a rooftop promenade.

Martin has long been politically active and has made a point of visiting the site of the Pulse massacre often. Last year he stumped for then-candidate Joe Biden and introduced him at a Miami event commemorating the Pulse Massacre.

Donors can participate in the OUTLOVE HATE campaign starting Valentine's Day, February 14. Martin, who recently visited the current Pulse Memorial, hopes people will use the occasion of Valentine's Day to remember those who lost their lives that day.

"I ask everyone to join our movement, commit to change and share the love, starting on Valentine's Day," Martin said.

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