Madonna pledges $500,000 for quake victims

Pop star’s paternal grandparents came from Italian town south of epicenter

PACENTRO, Italy - Madonna is coming to the aid of earthquake victims in central Italy, with one Italian mayor saying the pop singer has promised $500,000.

Spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg says Madonna has pledged a “substantial amount,” but didn’t disclose the exact figure.

Madonna’s paternal grandparents came from Pacentro, which is 60 miles south of L’Aquila, the epicenter of Monday’s quake.At least 260 people have died in the devastating disaster. It was the worst quake to hit Italy in three decades.