MADONNA has made a 'substantial donation to a fund for victims of the recent earthquake in Italy. The singer, who is the granddaughter of two former residents of Pacento, gave a reported $500,000 dollars after the towns mayor made a direct appeal for help. I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from, she told People. My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes. The earthquake, which measured 6.3 on the richter scale, struck the Abruzzo region of Italy on Monday. Officials have placed the death toll at 250, with 100 in a serious condition and 20,000 homeless. DS