Lady Gaga raises $1.5M for Japan relief

SAN FRANCISCO, March 28 (UPI) -- Social game developer Zynga says pop star Lady Gaga has donated $1.5 million to its fundraising initiative through the sales of her Japan Prayer Bracelets.

The initiative is to support the relief efforts of Save the Children and the American Red Cross following the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Zynga players have raised more than $2.5 million in the last two weeks for Save the Children's Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund and other related causes.

"I'm inspired that my little monsters banded together to help those affected by the terrible tragedy," Lady Gaga said in a statement Monday. "What Zynga's players have done for the cause is equally inspiring, and I'm thrilled to partner with them to raise money that will go to Save the Children and the American Red Cross."

"We've seen our players show tremendous generosity when presented with opportunities to give back," Mark Pincus, Zynga's chief executive officer and founder, said. "We're very happy that Lady Gaga has chosen to donate to our fundraising efforts and hope our players take pride in what they've accomplished."