Heal the World and Michael Jackson
…this is a child who does not receive enough attention and love at home. That is why, he keeps multiple friendships which fill the chasm…
….loving, reciprocating….
empathy to the suffering of others, strong desire to love and to be loved….
tendency to attract attention with his appearance, way of talking, as well as the warmness that he emanates…
….makes friendships with real ease….
R. Sankaran The Soul of Remedies
…he is slim, tall, and distinguished by delicate features, hair, skin, and hands. As a child, this person was warm, open, loving, artistic, very sensitive, and having an ear for music…
….he is empathic and cannot live without being surrounded by friends… Warmness and love fly freely towards friends and even strangers.
….These are children whose life streams without effort and many reserves….
….He can become a nature preservationist, setting humane goals.
Geogrios Vitulkas Materia Medika
Michael donated throughout his life. He is among the people who cared about the surrounding world, wanting to make it a better place to live. He does his best to accomplish this goal through music – the texts of his songs – and his care for the people: he attended hospitals and offered financial assistance to thousands of seriously ill people… Heal the World is among his most popular songs, transformed into message for peace and charitable work. Songs such as We Are the World, Men in the Mirror, and Earth Song are emblematic masterpieces, dedicated to these causes. His texts carry messages and make us reflect on the global problems related to our existence. Michael is the only star which donated so much (he is even listed in Guinness). In 2002, the performer was listed in the Book of Guinness as the pop star who participated in the largest number of charity projects. These are the sums that we know of. Yet, he donated money to sick children on countless occasions and reporters were not present then….
Words are redundant. Facts will tell the truth, so I am citing his participation in various projects between 1979 and 2003. I will leave the conclusion as to what kind of man Michael was to you:
In January, 1979, Michael Jackson donates an unspecified number of books, including Peter Pan, to the children and adolescent book section of the Chicago Public Library. He popularizes a library program called Boogie to the Book Beat (bookie in the rhythm of the book).
In July 1981, he organizes concert in Atlanta, Georgia under the heading Triumph Tour. The charitable concert collects $ 100.000 at the Omni Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia. The sum is donated to a foundation, aiming to fight the series of abductions and killings of children in Atlanta.
In January 1984, during a video session for a Pepsi advertisement, Michael Jackson is burnt by pyrotechnics, which is set ablaze by mistake. After the accident, Michael is taken to Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California. Despite the burns of second and third degree on the back of his head (reaching a human palm in size), he visited a couple of other patients with wounds from burnings. Later on, he donated a hyperbarchamber (used in the treatment of patients with burns) in addition to a large donation of equipment for the Michael Jackson Burn Center.
In April, 1984, David Smithy, a 14 year old boy who is suffering from cyst fibrosis, is invited to the home of Michael. His last wish was to get introduced to Michael. David dies 7 weeks later.
In April, 1984, Michael donates 19 beds to a word at medical center Mount Senai in New York. As a part of the foundation for T.J.Martell, this center conducts research on leukemia and cancer.
In May 1984, Michael Jackson donates the right to use the song Beat It as a part of a nationwide campaign against drinking and driving. For this contribution, he receives an award for exceptional contribution by President Ronald Reagan.
In July 1984, Michael Jackson and his family organize a press conference in order to announce a change in the ticket distribution system for the tour Victory. In his speech, Michael says: “Last but not least… I would like you to know that when I agreed on this tour, I decided to donate all revenues from the concerts.” Three charity foundations are granted funds thanks to Michael's generous gesture: the United Negro College Fund establishes the fund for Scholarship Michael Jackson which until 1988, granted scholarships to 70 students at UNCF (United Negro College Fund) participating schools; the Camp Goodtimes for terminally ill children; and the foundation of T.J.Martell for research on leukemia and cancer.
In July, 1984 – The Jackson family entertains eight terminally ill children during his engagement at Jacksonville, Florida. The 14 year old Melinda Cooper, a kid with a short life ahead, writes a letter to the mayor, asking to meet Michael. Before the concert, he meets her behind the side-scenes. Later, 700 children in unprivileged position visit the show free of charge.
In July 1984, the Jacksons perform on Texas Stadium in Dallas and donate 1200 tickets to children in unprivileged position (worth $39.000).
In August 1984, after failed negotiations for an engagement in Gary, Indiana, the Jacksons transport 40 children from the home for orphans, foster-children, and abandoned children Telma Marshal, the home Hoosier Boys, and educational program Donzels Work (intended for high school students striving to get in college) to Detroit, Michigan for their participation there.
In December, 1984, Michael visits Medical Center Bortman, where he was treated for the pyrotechnics accident during the shoots for the Pepsi advertisement. He donates the whole sum of money received from Pepsi - $ 1.5 million dollars – to Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.
On 28 January, 1985, Michael Jackson is one of the first artists to arrive at A&M Lion Share Studios for a historical record which gathers a dozen of distinguished national artists, hoping to reduce the hunger in Africa. This session, lasting for one entire night, gives birth to the greatest, in terms of scale, musical single in the history of the sound recording. We Are the World is distributed on videocassettes and as a book, with all revenues dedicated to the reduction of hunger. The record revenues of more than 60 million dollars poured in the budgets of hunger-ridden states. Michael does not just participate in the single as a performer. He co-authors the song, together with Lionel Richie, and produces the demo, distributed among the participant performers.
In March 1985, Michael Jackson visits a young girl paralyzed after a car accident in Miami, Florida. Later on, he sends her a record of the Victory concerts and a jacket from the tour.
In 1986, Michael establishes Michael Jackson Scholarship Fund UNCF. The $1.5 million fund is available mainly to art and media communication students, applying for colleges and universities, participating in UNCF.
In February 1986, 14 year Donna Ashlok, who underwent heart transplantation surgery, receives a call from Michael Jackson. He has heard that Donna is a big fan of his and invites her to his home after she recovers. The visit takes place on 8 March. Donna stays for dinner and watches movie together with Michael.
In October 198, a new series of plush animals is marketed, recreating the animals at Michael Jackson's zoo. Michael demands that 1 dollar per sale goes for charitable activities.
In September 1987, Michael backs a campaign against racism. He supports the efforts of NAACP in the fight against bias toward the Afro-American artists.
In September 1987, Michael Jackson donates $20.000 to the family of a young Japanese boy Yoshiaki who had been abducted and killed. Shots of Michael, who speaks about the accident, show his empathy to Yoshiaki and his family, clearly proving the deeply emotional side of the singer: “I am deeply saddened and truly sorry to hear about Yoshiaki. If I could, I would go to his parents to express my empathy and pay tribute to Yoshiaki. I would like to dedicate my tour in Japan to Yoshiaki. Yoshiaki, I know that you are somewhere there, watching. I hope that brutal and heartbreaking deeds like this will never repeat. I love you.” Then, Jackson continued with a performance of the song I Just Can't Stop Loving You.
In October, 1987 (at the end of his tour Bad), Michael donates some of his personal belongings to UNESCO for charitable purposes. His sunglasses, T-shirts, and training suit are among the donated items.
In November 1987, Michael Jackson donates 10.000 pounds to the foundation Children in Need Appeal in England.
Michael visits a children's hospital during his tour in Australia in November 1987.
The song “Man in the Mirror” enters the rank lists in 1988. The revenues from the sale of the record go to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, intended for children with cancer.
As a second stop of his first US tour, Michael Jackson has a concert in Madison Square Garden in March 1988. The revenues from the first of three concerts are donated to United Negro College Fund. He writes a cheque for $ 600.000 to Christopher Edley, President of UNCF, and becomes one of the biggest donors of the fund. The New York magazines write: “What Michael does has gone far beyond pop concerts. To this moment, 97 people have made good use of Michael's generosity to the UNCF.”
In April 1988, the foundation Make a Wish receives free of charge tickets for three consecutive concerts in Atlanta, Georgia.
As of April 1988, it is announced that 4.000 tickets for Michael Jackson's concerts in England will be donated to ITV Telethon which will contribute 200.000 pounds to the large children's hospital Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
Michael visits children with cancer at Rome-based Bambini-Gesu Children's Hospital in May 1988. He gives autographs and sweat delights to the young patients. Furthermore, he promises a cheque of 100.000 pounds to the hospital.
In June 1988, an auction of music stars, (with foundation T.J. Martell as a beneficiary, researching on leukaemia, cancer, and AIDS) boosts that a brimmed black hat, signed by Michael Jackson, was the most profitable offer. Thе item is sold for $4.000.
On 16 July, 1988 before a concert on Wembley, Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Princess Diana. He hands them a 150.000 pounds cheque for the Prince's Trust and a children's hospital in Ormond. In addition, he makes a donation to the fund Wishing Well, providing financial support for the construction of a new building to the London Children's Hospital. Michael pays visit to its patients.
He visits terminally ill children at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in July 1988. Michael stays longer in the ward for temporarily stabilized patients and tells fairy tales to the children.
On 29 August 1988, the date of his birthday, Michael has a concert for the charitable organization “Give for Life” in Leeds, England. The goal of the organization is child immunization. Michael offers a cheque for 65.000 pounds. The revenues from the concert go toward the immunization of 40.000 children.
In October 1988, Michael Jackson writes a cheque for $125.000 to Esther Edwards and Berry Gordy for the establishment and maintenance of Hitsville-based Motown Museum to Detroit, Michigan. He donates his black hat, white glove with sequins, and a costume from the Motown era of his art.
As of November 1988, he donates 100 tickets for the tour Bad (taking place in Atlanta, Georgia) to the Children's Wish Foundation. The tickets were intended for terminally ill children.
Michael visits 12 year old terminally ill David Rotemburg in December 1988. Five years earlier, David's father had burnt him badly in an act of revenge toward his ex wife.
In January 1989, the revenues from one show in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp, USA – the largest charity organization, fighting violence against children. As a sign of gratitude, the organization establishes Michael Jackson International Institute for Research on Child Abuse in South California.
The tour Bad ends in January 1989. Michael donates tickets for each concert to children in unequal position, money to hospitals, orphanages, and charitable organizations. At the many stops before concerts, Michael meets behind curtains many sick children from the area. Seth Riggs, the voice trainer of Michael notes: “Children on stretchers came each night. They were so sick, hardly holding their heads standing. Michael would kneel to the stretchers, nearing his face to theirs, so that pictures could be taken to remind of the event...”
Michael visits Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California in February, 1989. A 25 year old man had opened gun fire at the children several weeks earlier. Five children were killed and thirty nine – injured.
In March 1989, Michael invites 200 children from the institute for children crafts St Vincent and the organization of Big Brothers Big Sisters to a performance of Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. Then, he invites them to his ranch for a tour around his private zoo at Neverland.
In November 1989, the organization Make a Wish helps the 4 year old leukaemia patient Darien Paton to meet Michael. The singer invites him to a performance of Canadian acrobats.
The young Ryan Waite, who suffers from haemophilia, spends his vacation at Michael's ranch in 1989. Five years ago, Ryan has been infected with AIDS during a blood transfusion. After being expelled from his school in Kokomo, Ryan joins the fight for just treatment of AIDS victims.
In January 1990 with the assistance of Childhelp, Michael invites at his ranch 82 children: victims of violence and abandoned children. He organizes games, barbeque, and a home movie theatre.
In July 1990, he invites to Neverland 24 children who participate in the Los Angeles Project Dream Street, intended for children with life threatening diseases.
Michael invites to Neverland 130 children, taking part in the summer YMCA program in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara (August 1990).
In May 1991, Michael is invited to the charity event of Jane Goodall. He backs her support for over 30 years long research on chimpanzee's behaviour, taking place in Gomb, Nigeria.
Michael visits the Community Youth Sports and Art Foundation in Los Angeles in July 1991. The foundation supports families of gangs` members and helps individuals in overcoming drug dependency. Michael talks to the children and donates money and a large screen TV set.
In December 1991, the office of Michael, MJJ Production donates more than 200 turkeys for Thanksgiving to needy families from Los Angeles.
Michael travels more than 30.000 miles in Africa (February 1992). He visits hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for children with mental disorders.
On 3 February, 1992 at a press conference at the Radio City Music Hall, New York, Michael announces his plans for a new tour around the world. The tour aims to collect funds for his new foundation: Heal the World which will support McDonald's foundation Make a Wish and fight against AIDS and diabetes among adolescents.
Michael Jackson pays for the funeral of Ramon Sanchez, killed in the Los Angeles seditions, in May 1992.
In June 1992 at a press conference in London, Michael introduces his foundation Heal the World.
He donates a cheque for 40.000 Deutsche Marks to the Mayor of Munich Mr. Kronawitter in July 1992. The money goes for the assistance of needy people in the city.
In July 1992, Michael visits the children's hospital Sofia in Rotterdam and writes a cheque for 100.000 pounds.
Michael donates 821.477.296 Italian Liras to La Partita del Cuore in Rome (July 1992). In addition, he donates 120.000 Deutsche Marks to children's charitable organizations in Estonia and Latvia.
In July 1992 at a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces his decision to donate 400.000 pounds from the tour revenues toward diverse charitable projects.
Michael visits children's ward Queen Elizabeth Hospital in London (July 1992). To surprise the children, he brings Euro-Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the hospital.
In July 1992 at his second concert on Wembley, Michael writes a 200.000 pounds cheque for Prince's Trust.
The 6 years old Nicolas Kilan has lost his vision during a life saving surgery for cancer removal. He meets Michael at the backstage in Leeds, England (August 1992).
In September 1992, Michael donates 1 million pesetas for charitable projects under the patronage of the Queen of Spain.
Thanks to a donation by Michael, the President of Romania Illiesku opens a new children's playground for 500 orphans (September 1992). Michael speaks about his foundation Heal the World.
In October 1992, Michael decides to broadcast a Bucharest concert around the world. His choice makes sense because the country is ill-famed for the large number of orphanages.
In November 1992 at the Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael observes the loading of 43 tons of medications, blankets, and winter clothes for Sarajevo. Foundation Heal the World, in cooperation with AmeriCares, secures a donation worth 2.1 million dollars. The items will be distributed under the supervision of the United Nations.
On a press conference at the American Embassy in Tokyo, the tour sponsor Pepsi gives to Michael a $100.000 cheque to the benefit of foundation Heal the World (December 1992).
During a UNCF fund raising campaign in December 1992, Michael declares: “The colleges and universities for Afro-American people educate some of the leaders of our times. These individuals hold leading positions in business, justice, science, technologies, and religion. I am proud that the Michael Jackson Scholarship program supports more than 200 young man and women in getting quality education.
In January 1993, Michael is among the stars that perform on the inauguration day of President Bill Clinton. Before singing “Gone Too Soon”, he focuses on the problems and the plight of the AIDS victims, mentioning his friend Ryan Waite.
On a press conference at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City Los Angeles, Michael receives a $200.000 cheque from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Coup. At the same event of January 1993, his foundation Heal the World receives another $500.000 cheque from foundation BEST (the formal establishment of Heal the world is announced on the same event).
In February 1993, together with SEGA, Michael participates in the distribution of more than $108.000 dollars for computer games, equipment of children's hospitals, homes and orphanages on the territory of England.
The establishment of the Foundation of Independent Film Company is announced in March 1993. The body will produce family-oriented movies. A portion of the revenues will go to foundation Heal the World.
In March 1993, Michael gives a 5 minute speech in front of 1200 teachers and politicians at a meeting, taking place in Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.
During the Heal the World tour of April 1993, Michael visits the foundation Whatta Health, as well as two schools in Los Angeles.
In May 1993, former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, as a President of the initiative “Heal the Children/ Heal the World,” announce in Atlanta their immunization campaign Atlanta.
In June 1993, Michael announces a 1.5 million donation for the children, victims of the Los Angeles shootings.
One hundred children from club Challengers Boys and Girls visit Neverland in June 1993.
Michael promotes the new program DARE (challenge) in June 1993. Its goal is to inform children about the dangers of drug (medication) dependency.
He pays a visit to a Washington-based hospital in June 1993. Michael spends a couple of hours with the children and plays chess with some of them.
In 1993, together with Pepsi-Cola Thailand, Michael donates $40.000 to the charitable organization Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to provincial schools, and to the Fund for Development of Children and Youth, in support to the program for free lunch at the provincial schools in Thailand.
As of August 1993, Michael and Pepsi-Cola International donate new ambulances to Children's Independent Life Saving Center in Moscow and hospital De Ninos Dr.Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Michael donates $100.000 in October 1993 to the Children's Defence Fund, Children's Diabetes Foundation, Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Newark, New Jersey.
The singer visits a hospital in Santiago in October 1993.
In October 1993, Michael pays for the visit of 5000 children in unequal position to the Park Reino Ventura: the home of the whale Keiko (the Free Willie)
Michael is a guest of a kids` party in Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City in November 1993.
In December 1993 together with Gorbachev Foundation, he donates 60.000 children's vaccines in Tbilisi, Georgia.
During the same month, foundation Heal the World – England supports the Operation Christmas Child and supplies toys, sweat treats, gifts, and food to the children in Former Yugoslavia.
Michael donates $500.000 to Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation in 1994.
In January 1994 (the weekend of Martin Luther King Junior's birthday), Michael organizes a party at his ranch Neverland, gathering more than 100 children in unequal position.
The television broadcasts “The Jackson Family Honors” in February 1994. The revenues from the show go to the charitable foundation Family Caring for Families.
In August 1994, Michael and his wife Lisa Marie visit two children's wards in Budapest and distribute toys to the sick children.
In 1995, Michael wants to free dolphins, caged in for years. In his view, formal regulations should establish their stay in zoos and parks.
The young Bela Farkas receives new liver in March 1995. Michael and Lisa Marie meet the 4 year old boy during their travel to Hungary in 1994. Michael does his best to help Bela, whose only chance is a transplantation of a new liver. Foundation Heal the World pays for the surgical procedure and all recovery-related expenses.
In May 1996, Michael Jackson sends a wreath of white roses, carnations, and lilies to the funeral of a British fan. Its heading reads: “Let your courage be inspiration for all of us. Your spirit enlightens us. With love, Michael Jackson.” 11year old Jamey Bowen had lost the battle against leukaemia. His favourite songs Farewell My Summer Love, Ben, and Never Can Say Goodbye are played at the funeral.
In June 1996, Michael donates the 4 time platinum album History in support of Dunblane appeal at Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks, England.
In Soweto, South Africa, Michael offers a wraith to the children who were killed during the Apartheid (18 July, 1996).
In September 1996, the first sports festival Hope takes place, uniting orphans and underprivileged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers participate while Michael is a special guest at the event.
Before a concert for 70.000 people, Michael visits a Romanian orphanage in Bucharest (September 1996). After distributing toys to the children, Michael says: “I wish the whole world was here to see this, instead of sending our fellow brothers to the fields of death. This is our future – the children. I love so much all of you...”
Michael visits the children's ward of a hospital in Prague (September 1996).
In October 1996, Michael visits a hospital for challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and donates 2.000 free tickets for his concert in the city.
As of October 1996, Michael donates the revenues from his concert in Tunis to the National Solidarity Fund: a charitable organization fighting against poverty.
Michael visits children's hospital and gives away presents to the children during his Amsterdam tour History (October 1996). A room at the hospital (for parents choosing to stay with their children) is named after Michael.
In November 1996, Michael donates 85 percent of his 5 to 6 million dollars revenue from the concert History in Bombay, India. The money goes to secure jobs for 270.000 young people in the state Maharashtra (Bombay is the capital city). Upon arriving from the city airport, Jackson asked the driver to stop in the crowded slums they were passing by. He spent twenty minutes with the children playing there.
Michael agrees that American Journal accompanies him for two weeks during his tour in November 1996. Les Trent does a phenomenal cover of his visit to the children's ward Starship in Oakland, New Zealand. Reporters follow him in each room while he is speaking and giving away presents, photos, or discs with autographs to the children. Trent asks how he feels at the sight of children's faces. “They touch my heart” – responds Michael. He is shown at the backstage, showing support for a 13 year old shy girl who is suffering from cancer. Michael welcomes her to the “shy persons` club”, holding her hands and caressing her curls. Then, he poses for a picture with her family and embarks on preparations for the upcoming performance. Michael is shown during his visit to an orphanage and a school for blind children in Bangkok, Thailand. He donates $100.000 to the orphanage, delivering presents and toys to the children of both institutions. The speaker of the orphanage says: “These children don't know him as a pop star. To them, he is just a kind man who has come to offer hope.”
In November 1996, Michael visits a children's hospital in Sidney. He travels to Australia for the Sony-organized official celebration of his sales (skyrocketing at 75 million dollars in Australia). At the hospital, Michael spends more than 2 hours talking to the children, signing autographs, and delivering presents to all children. Some sources reveal that he donated a part of the revenues from the nine Australian concerts to Smith Family Foundation: a charitable organization providing food to the needy.
In November 1996, Michael visits the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, signing autographs and delivering presents.
As a part of his tour History in Manila, Michael visits a children's hospital (December 1996). He announces that part of the concert's revenues will go for the renovation of the hospital.
In January 1997, Michael gives up his revenues from the Bombay concert, donating $1.1 million to a local charitable organization, funding the education of children who live in poverty.
The British magazine OK! pays 1 million pounds for the photos of Michael's son Prince (April 1997). Michael donates the money to charitable projects.
In June 1997, Michael signs an autograph on the book Children in Need, auctioned by UNESCO.
Michael meets 5 years old cancer patient Aza Woods at Hilton, Las Vegas in September 1998. He takes the child to the attraction “Star Trek: The Experience,” spending all day with the boy. At the end of the day, Michael asks Aza to spend some time with him at Neverland.
In November 1998, Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe as a participant in an American delegation, invited by the Minister of Defence. The delegates thank to the government of Zimbabwe for its efforts to maintain peace in the region.
As of July 1999, the Concerts of Michael Jackson and Friends in Korea and Germany gather $3.3 million for humanitarian bodies such as UNESCO, Nelson Mandela's Children Fund, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Michael gives to Nelson Mandela's Children Fund a cheque for 1.000.000 South African rand in September 1999.
During the Christmas celebration of the previous year, a fierce storm devastates the park Château du Versailles and destroys 10.000 trees. The approximate amount of money, necessary for the park restoration, is 20 million dollars. In January 2000, the French authorities testify that Michael Jackson is among the first celebrities that donate money to the cause.
The same month, Michael takes part in the UNCF-organized charitable “Evening of Stars” which collects 13.5 million of dollars.
In May 2000, Michael donates various objects to the 4th online auction in favour ofT.J.Martell foundation for research on leukaemia, cancer, and AIDS.
Michael paints a plate sold at an auction in October 2000. The money goes to Carriage in Nevada, conducting research on diabetes in childhood.
In October 2000, Michael and other members of the Jackson family support “Wave to the World” – official fund raising project for the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sidney, Australia.
In November 2000 at a formal dinner, President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and the Queen of Jordan are honoured for their efforts to fight cancer, gathering four million dollars for New York-based foundation G&P, which finances research on leukaemia, lymphoma, and similar cancer diseases. Established by Denise Rich, the foundation commemorates his daughter who dies from leukaemia at the age of 27.
The newest initiative of foundation Heal the World starts in 2001 in cooperation with L’Chaim Society. The project envisages the establishment and coordination of international activities, helping parents dedicate their life to children for a second time, with all love and attention that a child deserves.
In March 2001, Michael donates his black hat, birthday telephone call, and the jacket he carried at the 2000 Music Awards in Monaco to an UNICEF-organized auction which benefits children. All revenues go to UNICEF`s efforts to prevent HIV transmission to babies from their mothers in Africa.
Michael donates books to the young people in Newark during the same month. The event assists the establishment of Michael Jackson International Book Club as a part of his new idea Heal the Children. The charitable project aims to popularize book reading at an early childhood age, encouraging parents to revive the old tradition of reading Good Night fairy tales.
In September 2002, Michael donates to flood victims in Germany16 unique objects with autographs, among which discs, videocassettes, and two cotton towels. These objects are sold at a charitable auction, earning 3.935 Euros.
Michael Jackson invites to Neverland more than 200 members of Team Vandenberg, who recently returned from overseas military missions, together with their families. This 2002 October event expresses Michael's gratitude to all military men who sacrifice their lives for the good of society.
In November 2002, Michael donates a plush bear with an autograph, dressed in his style, to a plush bear charitable auction, organized by Siegfrid and Roy. The auction revenues go to the Opportunity Village a non-governmental organization in Las Vegas (US), assisting challenged people and their families. Michael's bear earns 5.000 dollars for the cause.
In November 2002, Michael donates a jacket to the charitable event Bambi in Berlin, earning 16.000 dollars.
Michael participates in a fund raising event for the Democratic National Committee of Harlem-based Appolo Theatre in April 2002. In this way, he helps the gathering of almost 3 million dollars for voter registration.
At his invitation, family Wolf meets Michael in Berlin during his participation at the Bambi Awards of June 2003. The family has suffered seriously during the floods in Saxony. At the meeting, Michael invites them to Neverland. In June, the family spends three days at the estate, accompanied by Michael and his children.
Foundation Heal the World is established by Michael Jackson in 1992: a charitable organization in support of children and the environment. The body aims to secure medications for children around the world and to fight world hunger, narcotic and alcoholic dependencies, and violence against children. Heal the World works in cooperation with established local and national organizations in the preparation of medical specialist reports. Focus on existing infrastructural sites intends to secure needed services for children in underprivileged position.
Michael has supported 39 charitable organizations and established his own foundation Heal the World. He has given financial assistance to the victims of the hurricane Katrina and the terrorist attacks of 11 September, 2001. With the help of the song "We Are The World", Michael Jackson collects 60 million dollars for charity and specifically – for the assistance of the starving people in Ethiopia.
Truly, Michael never spoke much about his charitable projects and donations. Melissa Johnson, President of the foundation Heal the World shares several powerful truths.... On the question as to why the foundation never popularized its work and achievements, she responds: “We never did anything for the show. We were working because of our firm belief that the foundation is the real heart of Michael. Its support could really save millions of lives.” She speaks of media, too: “I and many other volunteers of the foundation worked without rest. We wanted to create and build the foundation's face in accord with Michael's vision of the world. We were constantly attacked by the uncontrollable and irresponsible media that were demonizing him without sticking to truthfulness and rightfulness in their statements. They didn`t want to show a single good deed of Michael Jackson. The foundation was not only invisible to the world, but we were scolded, mocked, and almost destroyed by the stigma of “children's charitable organization” founded by “child victimizer” who was defined as such by media, rather than the courts. Media propaganda at trials should be illegal but this is not the case – they are not held responsible by anyone – morally, spiritually, or in any other way. So, I'm not bound to stay responsive either! Corey Feldman said once that calling Michael child victimizer is the same as branding Santa Claus as a stealer!” Foundation World Awards, chaired by Mikhail Gorbachev, announced that Michael has finally received an award for his social and humanitarian efforts in Austria on 24 July, 2009 – post mortem.
The award “Heal the World” was received by Michael Jackson's brother Germaine at a gala in the nuclear electric power station Zwentendorf, which is constructed but not put into operation. To celebrate one of Michael Jackson's songs, the award was named “Heal the World”. “The aim of the award “Heal the World” is in accord with everything that Michael Jackson fought for: peace, tolerance, and the salvation of our delicate planet.” told foundation's Director Georg Kindel.
To me, Michael not just donated millions of dollars: he gave his heart and his time... Michael travelled thousands of miles a day and visited sick and abandoned children everywhere around the world. That's much more that the charity we are used to hear about and see. He gave love. And the most adorable part is that many times, while performing in some country, he just passed the revenues (in the range of 1 million dollars) to the state for its efforts to accommodate its sick and abandoned young members. He proceeded the same way with money from singles, clips, and advertisements. Unique, Unearthly.... Mega... Of course, many stars may want to stress on numbers, but I doubt that another celebrity has dedicated so much time and such a big part of his life and heart (probably except for Mother Teresa).
