http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iwimKsLJTA
Charitable Activities
Michael Jackson’s humanitarian background commences during his early years, when, out of his daily earnings as a Jackson – 5 lead member, he would purchase ice-cream and chewing gum for children in his neighborhood, according to himself and his family. Both as a child and until later in his life (as required by his Jehovah’s Witnesses religion), he would deliver Bibles door to door to families and preach to them the word of God, while concealing his renowned identity with disguises.
The Early Years:
In 1969, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 perform at a benefit concert for their home county, Indiana’s mayor, Richard G. Hatcher.
On Christmas Day, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, the 14 year old singer and the Jackson 5, dressed as Santas, make their appearance at a foundation, to visit and offer presents - on behalf of their record company, Motown - to 700 underprivileged children.
In an article, titled “The Jackson 5 Really Changed!”, the writer points out that “The first time the J-5 did a benefit at a children’s hospital, Michael came home and cried all night at the memory of all those sick children lying in beds, some not even able to move their hands to clap. That is when he became actively involved in communicating with these kids. He corresponds with youngsters his own age in hospital all over the country. These are not letters dictated to a secretary by a superstar, but letters written in Michael’s own hand during breaks in recording or rehearsing or even in school.”
During that season, the Jackson 5 perform Christmas songs during a benefit concert at the "Foundation for the Junior Blind" for 1000 visually impaired children, 400 of which attending the benefit party. On his thoughts about the event, Michael Jackson declares: "You know, really, this is what Christmas is all about - giving."
Early in 1972, the Jackson 5 perform at a benefit concert, helping to raise the start-up funds for the "Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Social Change" in Atlanta, Georgia.
In September, 1972, the Jackson 5, and a variety of entertainers, perform for "Save The Children", a film theme of the 1972 "Black Exposition" and conducted by "Operation PUSH" ("People To Save Humanity") in the Amphitheater of Chicago, the event highlighting, among musical acts, footage of the city’s black population, their churches, schools, slums and playgrounds, and promoting the hope for an improved future, benefiting the children of Chicago, Illinois.
On January 29, 1974, the Jackson 5 start their one-week tour in Dakar, Senegal (Africa), where they perform concerts, attend representations from several African dancers, visit the humble dwelling places of some inhabitants there, and also pose for pictures with and sign autographs for them, among sightseeing and shopping experiences.
Approximately the same year (1974), Michael Jackson (as reported eleven years after) visits 5-year old Leslie Robinette at a hospital, after she had undergone a bone-marrow transplant, leaving her with post-surgery depression; the patient has later on credited the famous visitor in person and publicly with enhancing her the will to live.
In 1977, The Jacksons (as they would name themselves since 1975) visit the impoverished areas of Trinidad, Port-au-Spain, namely the economically deprived inhabitants, not affording to attend a Jacksons’ concert. Michael Jackson enters their cardboard – stone houses and visits and greets the Catholic – school girls therein. The mentioned year finds The Jacksons competing with other teams of entertainers in the "Rock ‘N’ Roll Sports Classics" special program; being joined in their East team by affiliated show business members, they are awarded as first – place winners of the competition with a set of 20,000 dollars, a charitable contribution funneled to the University of California, U.S.A.
In January, 1979, the singer donates a certain amount of books to the "Chicago Public Library’s Young Adult Section", and, on occasion of a library project, "Boogie To The Book Beat", he delivers a speech on the importance of reading.
In 1979, "The Black Linkage For Adoptive Children" hosts a charity event during which the Jacksons’ costumes from their 1979 Destiny Tour were auditioned off to the highest bidder; Michael Jackson’s costume garnered 575,00 dollars, the highest price from an impersonator who performed in an outfit that night for a gig.
The 1980's
Around 1980, while touring in Philadelphia, Michael Jackson and The Jacksons visit the local Children’s Hospital, the group making other such relief apperances during their tours.
On July 22, 1981, The Jacksons give a special benefit concert for the "Atlanta Children’s Foundation" at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, and raise 100,000 dollars for the charity, subsequently to lengthy episodes of children kidnappings and murders in the mentioned city.
* During the years of residing at Hayvenhurst mansion with his family, Michael Jackson accepts a large number of children’s requests to visit him there through foundations such as "Make A Wish", most of these visits not being publicized, sister La Toya Jackson confirms in her 1991 autobiography, as well as the singer himself. The young visitors would be treated to screenings, sweets to their preference from the residence’s Candy Store, to petting the exotic pets of his menagerie, to arcade and video - game playing and the like.
* An animal advocate as well, the singer rescues a chimpanzee (that would become his pet animal) from a cancer research facility in Texas, U.S., around 1983, and would, moreover, house other endangered species of animals as part of his menageries from both Hayvenhurst and Neverland ranches throughout the years.
On April 9, 1984, he welcomes, through the auspices of the "Brass Ring Society", 14-year-old David Smithee to his mansion, boy suffering from cystic fibrosis, as a result, granting his last wish, who will pass on 7 weeks after.
On April 14, 1984, Jackson equips a 19 – bed unit at "Mount Sinai Medical Center", a division of the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research".
On July 5, 1984, on occasion of a Jacksons’ press conference from "Tavern on the Green", Michael Jackson announces that his Victory – tour share of proceeds are to entirely cover three charitable organizations: "The United Negro College Fund", "Camp Good Times" and "T.J. Martel Foundation". Furthermore, at each gig, 500 places are reserved for invalids and hospital patients, taken on stretchers into the stadiums.
In 1984, the group donates 1200 tickets, valued at 39,000 dollars, to a number of disadvantaged children, subsequently to a performance at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. In addition, they perform for eight children suffering from incurable illnesses in Jacksonville, Florida, where Michael Jackson grants the wish of 14-year old Malanda Cooper in Miami, Florida, visiting her backstage and presenting her with a tape of his Victory tour concerts and a jacket worn by the singer during the concerts. The group also performs for 700 other underprivileged people during another performance. Furthermore, they enable the transportation of 40 children from the "Thelma Marshall Children's Home" for orphans, foster and abandoned children, - The Hoosier Boys Home and the Donzels Work Study Program for high school students working toward a college education to Detroit, Michigan for a performance there. The selfsame year, Michael Jackson meets and supports a moribund young patient by offering his black sequined glove and leather jacket to him.
On December 13, 1984, he visits the unit for burn victims at "Brotman Memorial Hospital" in Los Angeles, him being there admitted for head injuries, derived from a stage pyrotechnics incident during the Victory Tour. Among the victims, he meets 23-year old mechanic, Keith Perry, burned over 90 percent of his body in a car crash. The surgeons declared that Jackson’s visit at Perry’s bedside was the main reason he had pulled through: "Michael encouraged him, talking to him for hours", said Los Angeles hospital spokesman, Judy Davis. Michael Jackson also donates the entire earnings received from his sponsor, Pepsi – 1,5, million dollars – to a center named after the singer: "The Michael Jackson Burn Center For Children".
In 1984, he engages in supporting the "National Campaign Against Teenage Drunk Driving", campaign addressing the perils of alcohol use: car accidents, and/or life loss.
On January 28, 1985, Michael Jackson arrives at "A&M Lion Share Studios", to record with a variety of American singers the highly successful benefit anthem, "We Are The World" (co-written with singer Lionel Richie), grossing a total of more than 60 million dollars for the most severely famine – stricken African countries. In October 21, he visits the animals from the "Cohuna Wildlife Sanctuary" in Perth, Australia.
On March 29, 1985, the singer visits the London Hospital, it being his second visit there in two years.
On February 28, 1986, he telephones and invites 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California - convalescing after a heart transplant - over to "Hayvenhurst" mansion in Encino, there dining and watching a film with the young patient, the actual visit taking place on March, 8. That same year, he invites 12-year-old Danielle Finmark (attending "Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times", an organization for children with cancer) to the ranch, where she tours the residence, visits his menagerie, has lunch with Jackson and watches movie "Short Circuit" with him, according to Finmark.
In the afore – mentioned year (1986), he establishes the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund", a foundation then estimated at 1,5 million dollars, aiming to boost youth education, specialization in art performances and communication. The company’s funds would be a yearly supply for the African-American students attending a "UNCF" college or university. That year, the fund had provided 97 scholarship awards and enrolled scholars in nearly all of UNCF’s 42 schools, it was reported.
In October, 1986, the singer requests that one dollar out of each purchase from the "Michael’s Pets" set of stuffed animals be placed aside for a children’s organization.
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In 1987, Michael Jackson meets 4-year old wounded Angela Darlington and her mother, Helen, in Melbourne Children’s Hospital. The mother has this to say on the visit 21 years later: “My daughter, Angela, was in hospital with head injuries after being hit by a car. One day we were told by the nurses that Michael Jackson was coming to visit. We had to keep it a secret, so the hospital wasn’t overwhelmed with fans. There was a big flurry, as his assistants handed out T-shirts and signed copies of his Bad album to everyone on the ward. Then he just walked around and talked to the patients. […] I said hello. He said he was pleased to meet me. I was gobsmacked. He was very gentle and seemed shy. I got the sense he had a deep love for children, especially those who’d been hurt. Then he crouched down and said ‘Hello, Angela’. She couldn’t talk, because she’d just come out of a coma, but she started smiling. After that day, she started to get better. I think of him as an inspiration. We’d been having a terrible time – Angela was in hospital and I’d been ringing Lifeline to keep myself together, but he was a total inspiration for the whole ward. I thought: ‘Thank God for sending him’. He just had a presence about him – this great empathy with people who needed to get better. Now, Angela is 25, at university and full of life. There was another boy on the ward who was about 15 and was a huge fan. After Michael’s visit, he started getting better too. His mom thought it was a miracle. I believe many of the children got better after meeting him. I think people should know about this side of Michael. I’ve never believed he was anything but a good person.”
In September, 1987, Michael Jackson donates 20,000 dollars to a family in Japan, for their kidnapped and killed son, in memory of whom the singer says: "I'm very sorry and deeply saddened to hear about Yoshiyaki. If I could, I would rush to his parents to express my words of sympathy and pay tribute to Yoshiyaki. I would like to dedicate my Japanese tour to Yoshiyaki. Yoshiyaki, I know you're out there watching us. I hope such a brutal and heartbreaking thing will never happen again...and I love you." on the stage while on his Bad tour in Yokohama. Furthermore, on September 13, he displays his support towards a campaign against racism, as well as towards "NAACP"s mission to help arrest prejudiced conduct against black artists.
In October, 1987, he gives away 30 personal items and memorabilia such as t-shirts, sunglasses or a windbreaker for an auction addressing "UNESCO", the proceeds of which being invested into awareness raising and helping educate children in developing countries.
In November, 1987, Jackson offers 10,000 pounds to the "Children In Need Appeal" in England, whereas in Australia , he visits a children’s health facility.
In February, 1988, the singer’s (inspirational) song, "Man in the Mirror", in partnership with "Camp Ronald McDonald", provides the cancer-plagued children of "Good Times" with its royalties. The same year, he delivers a performance benefiting the "United Negro College Fund" at "Madison Square Garden" in New York. All the funds of the concert are donated to the above-mentioned foundation.
On March 1, 1988, at a press conference organized by his sponsor, Pepsi, he offers UNCF’s President Christopher Edley a check for 600,000 dollars, making him one of "UNCF"s most significant donators.
In April, 1988, Jackson gives away free-of-charge tickets for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the "Make A Wish Foundation".
Later that year, ITV Telethon disseminates 4000 Michael Jackson concert tickets to the "Hospital for Sick Children" in Great Ormond Street, London, tickets valued at 200,000 pounds; the entertainer, accompanied by a number of patients, visits the institution and the children charged therein, as well as reads a story to the less affected patients, comforts them verbally, poses for pictures and hands out dozens of presents to them.
On May 22, 1988, he visits the "Bambini-Gesu" children’s hospital in Rome, Italy, where he signs autographed pictures and delivers sweets, records and moral comfort to the ill children, among whom 13-year old heart-transplant patient, Nunzia Glaccio. Jackson signs a check for 100,000 pounds to the hospital.
In 1988, Jackson’s signed fedora is given away on occasion of a music celebrity auction advantaging the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research", the hat being sold for over 4,000 dollars.
On July 16, 1988, he meets Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales, to whom he presents a check for 150,000 dollars for the "Prince’s Trust" (an organization addressing disadvantaged children), as well as one for 100,000 pounds for the "Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital" in the U.K.
On July 20, 1988, he visits critically ill children and their parents at the "Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital", where he spends longer time with the less critical patients, reserving words of comfort to them, reading them stories and delivering presents, including albums, signed photos and T-shirts. He associates himself with the "Wishing Well Fund" for sponsoring the contruction of a novel unit, as part of the "Hospital for Sick Children" in Great Ormond Street, London, England. Notably, 9-year old Neil Clark, having undergone live-saving surgery to remove a brain tumour – and originally not scheduled to see the popstar – is visited by the singer, the boy’s father declaring with gratitude that the visit "cheered my son up". 4-year-old Joanne Doeffer, having undergone a throat operation and breathing through a special tube, was visited by the star, the meet-and-greet prompting her to struggle and say "Thriller" to a delighted Jackson.
* During his Bad Tour (as well as other tours of his), he was reported to be joined backstage prior to his concerts by children with illnesses from the respective local areas of his performances, with whom the entertainer would pose for pictures and sign autographs to, often, the singer spending time purchasing and assembling playthings he would personally deliver to them the following day, according to Seth Riggs, Jackson's vocal coach.
In 1988, on occasion of a ceremony honoring the singer in England, Jackson is accompanied by 10-year old Jimmy Safechuck, a young American orphan he has taken under his wing.
On his 30th birthday in 1988, on August 29, he delivers a concert to the "Give For Life" charity in Leeds, England, the concert’s 130,000-dollar grossings favoring immunization programs for 40,000 children. He also presents a check for 65,000 pounds to the mentioned charity-organization.
On October 23, 1988, the performer also signs a check for 125,000 dollars, to Mr. Esther Edwards and Motown founder, Mr. Berry Gordy, finance sustaining the maintenance of the "Motown Museum Historical Foundation" in Detroit, Michigan, the highest amount of money donated up until that time to the museum; Jackson also donates a black fedora, one of his rhinestone gloves and a stage costume dating from 1972.
In December, 1988, he visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg, doused with kerosene and severely burned 5 years before by his father during a custody conflict; the boy had suffered an estimated 50 reconstructive operations, yet, remained disfigured. Afterwards, the singer visits the injured youth more times, and pays for the necessary further operatory interventions.
In January, 1988, one of his concerts’ proceeds in Los Angeles are funneled to "Childhelp USA", the largest organization against child abuse.
On January 10, 1989, at the completion of his Bad tour, the "Children’s Wish Foundation", in association with Jackson, donates 100 tickets to critically ill children for each concert, in addition, the same year, he finances medical institutions, children’s homes and charities.
On February 7, 1989, Michael Jackson visits each classroom from the "Cleveland Elementary School" in Stockton, California, the parents of the children at the nearby Central United Methodist Church, as well as the children checked in the hospital, 3 weeks after a gunman had fired 100 bullets into a playground, then committing suicide. 5 children were murdered and 39 injured during the attack. The pop star arrives to comfort the surviving children by giving them the confidence to view the world more positively subsequently to the traumatic experience. 8 year-old Thahn Tran, who had lost his younger brother during the massacre, speaks about the effect Jackson’s visit had on him: "I didn’t want to go back to school, but Michael made it all right again. If he goes there, it must be safe. Michael is my friend and I’m very glad.", sharing the sentiments of other children there, according to Diane Batres, a counselor from the district support unit. In addition to making another visit to the nearby church hosting the injured ones from the attack and the parents of the dead – to whom he offers words of sympathy, signs plaster casts on the wounded youngsters’ legs, while chatting and joking to them -, he makes another stop at the "San Joaquin General Hospital", and talks to two wounded children under treatment there. 7-year-old Alice Montejano says, while raising her autographed picture: "I’m not frightened about going back to school now, because Michael will keep all of those bad men away". Afterwards, Michael Jackson says the following to the children in the mentioned hospital: "You are very brave. When you are better, perhaps you will come and visit my private zoo." Vice-Mayor of Stockton, Ron Coale, has this to declare on Jackson’s goodwill visits: "Words cannot say how much turmoil this town had been through over the past few months. Michael Jackson’s visit has helped us to try and overcome it a little."
On March 5 1989, he receives 200 children from "Saint Vincent’s Home for Dysfunctional Children" and "Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs to the Circus Vargas" institutions into his newly constructed mansion at the time, Neverland, introducing them to his private zoological garden.
On November 13, 1989, Jackson performs song "You Were There" (that he wrote for singer Sammy Davis Jr.) for the first and only time, at a musical gala honouring Davis Jr., the event’s funds advantaging the "United Negro College Fund". At the same date, he is reported to host 50 children from "Maclaren Hall" and "Make A Wish Foundation" at his residence, while, via the "Wishes Granted" charity, 4-year-old Darian Pagan, suffering from leukemia, is granted the wish to meet the singer and is, additionally, invited to watch a performance by a group of Canadian acrobats with him.
On December 28, 1989, young HIV victim and activist Ryan White befriends the entertainer, and shares a holiday with him at Neverland Ranch at the singer’s invitation. Following the youth’s swift disappearance, Michael Jackson dedicates song "Gone Too Soon" (from his 1990 "Dangerous" album, composition also performed in loving memory of late Princess of Wales in 1997) as well as the poem: "Ryan White" (from his book, "Dancing The Dream") to him.
The 1990's:
On January 6, 1990, he organizes a festivity for 82 deprived children at his residence via "Childhelp", who are offered games to play, a barbeque for meal and a film representation to watch.
In July, 1990, he invites 45 critically ill children from the Project "Dream Street", Los Angeles to Neverland, where they are treated to a meal and a film.
On August 18, 1990, he welcomes 130 children from the "YMCA" summer program in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, treating them to a barbeque meal, video games, a free pair of footgear and the permission to visit his private zoo and watch films.
In November, 1990, via "Make A Wish Foundation", 14-year-old cancer victim, John Brown, is granted the wish to visit Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch.
In 1991, he organizes and hosts a "Chimpanzee Tea Party", in benefit of Jane Goodall’s ape research institute. On May 6, 1991, he also attends Mrs. Goodall’s "International Tribute Benefit".
On July 26, 1991, Jackson visits the "Youth Sports & Art Foundation" in Los Angeles, California, (charity addressing drug abuse problems and approaching relief programs for families with gang members), talks to the children there, offers them financial support and a wide-screen television set.
In December, 1991, the entertainer’s company in Los Angeles, California, "MJJ Productions", donate 200 turkey dinners to a number of destitute families.
Between February 11 and February 18, 1992 - and on occasion of Black History Month - the artist tours 30,000 miles of the African continent in 11 days (covering 6 countries), where he visits medical centers, schools, churches, children’s housings and educational NGO’s for disabled children.
On February 3, 1992, he informs on the creation of "Heal The World Foundation" during a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, the mission of the foundation being that to provide rescue to world-wide children; protection against abuse; caregiving; to deliver medicines for children and fight world hunger, as well as to convey awareness on children’s rights and necessities, and improve world’s life standards.
On May 1, 1992, after being rewarded with another "Point of Light" award by President George Bush Sr., the singer visits young Raynal Pope, who had been severely injured by dogs.
On May 6, 1992, he pays expenses for Ramon Sanchez’ funeral costs, Sanchez being killed during the Rodney King violent riots in California.
On June 26, 1992, Michael Jackson donates 40,000 DM to then Mayor of Munich, Mr. Georg Kronawitter, as a relief for the needy children residing in the urban areas. On June 29, he visits the "Sophia Children’s Hospital" in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, offering a check for 100,000 pounds for the institution.
In July, 1992, the performer finances "La Partita del Cuore" ("The Heart Match") in Rome, Italy with L. 821,477,296, and children’s foundations in Estonia and Latvia with 120,000 DM.
On July 25, 1992, while on tour in Dublin, Ireland, he announces a donation of 400,000 pounds, out of his concert earnings, to various charities there. A delay provoked by a malfunction before his Dangerous Tour concert in Leeds, UK, leads to the singer being fined by a national council with 60,000 pounds, that are paid by Jackson to a music charity fund.
On July 29, 1992, the entertainer fetches characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the "Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children" in London, and distributes toys to the ill children there.
On July 31, 1992, before performing on his second concert at the Wembley Stadium, he financially reacknowledges the "Prince’s Trust" with a 200,000-pound check. The very year, the first "Heal The World European Children’s Congress" is established in England, the occasion of which 84 children, aged between 8 and 16, have gathered to discuss global issues of imminent interest and their possible solutions. In spite of being down with laryngitis, the artist also participates at "Regent’s College" for several hours.
On August 16, 1992, backstage in Leeds, England, he meets with 6-year-old Nicholas Killen, left visually impaired after a cancer procedure.
In September, 1992, Michael Jackson presents the Queen of Spain’s charity with a sum of 1,000,000 pesetas.
On September 30, 1992, Jackson visits the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" care facility and its children, in Bucharest, Romania, on a halt from his "Dangerous" tour. He discusses HTWF’s tenets in a press conference and finances a playground for 500 homeless children there via Playday, in the amount of 10,000 dollars, and inaugurated by then Romanian President, Ion Iliescu. A portion of the proceeds from this concert is reported to have been directed to the Serbian refugees at the time.
On October 1, 1992, Jackson chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast, the country being known for the large number of children’s housings.
On November 24, 1992, inside a hangar at "John F. Kennedy Airport" in New York, Michael Jackson monitors the loading of 43 tons of medical supplies, blankets and winter clothing onto a cargo jet bound for the children of Sarajevo, a war-torn zone in the former Yugoslavia. The Heal The World Foundation teams up with "AmeriCares" to fly the 2.1 million-dollar worth of aid to Sarajevo for distribution by the United Nations. The aid is reported to have been also addressed to the Serbians, Croatians and Muslims in need.
On December 26, 1992, the singer acknowledges the merits of the "United Negro College Fund", by virtue of which the "Michael Jackson Scholarship Program" had enabled over 200 young men and women to receive qualified education up until that time.
On January 26, 1993, at a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, a novel U.S. Children’s Relief Initiative, "Heal L.A.", is announced by Jackson, a collaborative effort sustained by "Cities in Schools", "Big Brothers/Big Sisters", "BEST Foundation", "Watta Health Foundation", and "Partnership for a Drug Free America", with the mission to battle urban-area troubles and those of their young denizens through instructive programs featuring AIDS prevention, a substance-free living, as well as counseling and immunization campaigns.
In February, 1993, the entertainer sends his condolences to the parents of two-year-old James Bulger, then murdered in Liverpool, Merseyside by 2 older minors.
In February, 1993, in association with "Sega", "HTW" distributes over 108,000 dollars of computer games and equipment to children’s hospitals, housings and charities in the U.K.
In March, 1993, the foundation of an independent film company, producing family-oriented movies, is announced, a part of its earnings being directed to the Heal The World Foundation.
On April 26, 1993, as part of his "Heal L.A." tour, Jackson visits the "Watta Health Foundation" and two school centers from "Los Angeles South Central", where he engages in discussions with the children and the service staff.
On May 5, 1993, former American President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, and Michael Jackson, then chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, visit Atlanta, Georgia to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive", sponsored by "Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.", "Ronald McDonald Children's Charities" etc., and commissioned to increase the number of children benefiting from local immunization services to over 17,000, by means of a family health care system.
In June, 1993, he announces that "HTW"s total earnings of 1,25 million dollars, along with his "Super Bowl XXVII" proceeds from that year will be funneled to "Heal L.A." to the children having suffered from the Los Angeles’ riots at the time. In the same month, he invites 100 children at his home from "Challengers Boys" and "Girls Clubs" in Los Angeles, and attends an event in L.A., on June 10, where he promotes the "DAREPLUS" program, an initiative to educate children on the dangers of substance abuse.
On June 18, 1993, he pays a visit to a hospital in Washington for several hours, speaks to the children and plays chess with them; Jackson also sends a letter and a monetary donation to 8-year-old Mallory Cyr, diagnosed with a rare intestinal disorder.
In August, 1993, "HTW" partners with "Pepsi-Cola Thailand" to endow 40,000 dollars to the "Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's" foundation and to the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, as a sponsorship for school meal programs in the villages of Thailand. In the same month, new ambulances reach "Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children" in Moscow, Russia and the "Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez" in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In September, 1993, Michael Jackson visits a school affiliated to a U.S. naval base in Japan. Additionally, 15-year-old Dutch, Martijn Hendricsen, a terminally ill patient, and his siblings, are offered, via "Make A Wish Foundation", the opportunity to meet Michael Jackson in Japan.
On September 20, 1993, during his stay in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jackson visits ill patients at a hospital, speaks to and passes toys to them, waves to an extensive congregation of admirers from his hotel balcony and throws down pieces of memorabilia to them. Meantime, Jackson’s associate, "Pepsi", warrants 160,000 dollars for the "Ghandi Foundation for Children", resulted from the singer’s concerts in New Delhi, India.
In October, 1993, grants totaling in 100,000 dollars are distributed to the "Children's Defense Fund"; "Children's Diabetes Foundation"; "Atlanta Project", and "Boys and Girl Clubs" in Newark, New Jersey, to further the provision of health services for children.
On October 22, 1993, the musician visits a hospital in Santiago, Chile.
On October 28, 1993, Michael Jackson enables 5000 deprived children in Mexico to visit "El Nuevo Reino Aventura Park", home of whale Keiko. In the same month, Jackson passes thousands of concert tickets to the necessitous children of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and provides thousands of such children with another set of tickets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
On November 5, 1993, he attends a children’s festivity at "Hard Rock Cafe" in Mexico City, dedicated to the homeless ones from the "Tere Alarcon" orphanage.
In December, 1993, "HTWF", in association with "Gorbachev Foundation USA", renders 60,000 vaccine doses to the impoverished children of Tbilisi, Georgia.
On December 16, 1993, Michael Jackson and "HTWF" offer support to U.K.’s "Operation Christmas Child", the organization’s children airlifting over 100,000 (other sources state 30,000) of 'shoebox gifts' of toys, sweets, school items, photographs, letters and the like to the children in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In 1994, Michael Jackson presents 500,000 dollars to the "Elisabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation".
On January 7, 1994, the pop star organizes, on occasion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, a gala for 100 needy children at his Neverland residence. Meanwhile, "HTWF", with partners "Unihealth" and "Los Angeles Immunization Coalition", disseminate vaccines to the homeless children in Los Angeles, beggared by a damaging earthquake in the area. Moreover, the singer’s "HTWF", along with "Discovery Playthings", hands hundreds of toys to children attending an immunization drive. "Heal L.A.", additionally, donates more than 85,000 dollars to the "Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center", "Casa Rutilio Grande", "Clinica Para Las Americas", "Families in New Directions", "Meeting Each Need With Dignity", "Proyecto Esperanza", "Pueblo Nuevo", and "Vaughn Street Family Center" sheltering the victims of the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley earthquake. Associated with "General Electric", "Lever Brothers" and "Surf Wash", "HTWF" deliver washers, dryers and soap to 25 NGO’s, as well as free laundry services, all for the earthquake-stricken people, in addition, along with "Heal L.A." and "Salvation Army", 400 homeless people and their children are invited to spend a day at "Universal Studios". Michael Jackson and his residence are also hosts to 100 children from the "Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation" in Los Angeles, whom he speaks and plays with, poses for pictures and signs autographs; the children, moreover, watch film "Beethoven's 2nd" with him in his amusement park, and visit his private zoo.
On February 22, 1994, earnings derived from "The Jackson Family Honors" event reach "Family Caring for Families", a then recent Jackson family NGO. At the mentioned gala fundraiser (also sponsoring several other charities) and tribute to actress, Elizabeth Taylor and music mogul, Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson joins members of his family and other singers to perform "If You Only Believe", a relief anthem speaking about the blessings of life, regardless of its inevitable perils.
In the summer of 1994, "HTWF", in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, "I Have A Dream Foundation", "Best Buddies", "Overcoming Obstacles" and "California One To One", provides 2000 children with tickets to see singer Janet Jackson, the L.A. Laker Jam and The Beach Boys in concert; in the fall of the same year, "Heal L.A." funds implementation of the Los Angeles Team Mentoring Program in six Los Angeles Unified School District Middle Schools, from the South Central Los Angeles and the Pico Union Districts, reaching over 1,000 young people, and utilizing 300 volunteers.
On August 6, 1994, Jackson and then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, visit two children’s facilities in Budapest, Hungary, distributing toys to the afflicted patients, while "HTWF", along with partners "Toys 'R' Us" and "AmeriCares", distribute 20,000-dollar-worth toys, food and provisions suchlike therein. Author of "Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary", Adrian Grant, also present at the facilities, remembers a highlight of this event 10 years later in an interview for a fan magazine: "During the visit, the most amazing thing happened, when Michael brought a smile on the face of a dying 8-year old girl who had lain motionless and silent for weeks. […] [She] reached out and touched Michael’s hand. It was great to see the positive effect Michael’s superstar status could have on a person. […]", says Grant.
In March, 1995, Michael Jackson and "HTWF" provide specialized treatment to 4-year-old patient, Bela Farkas, in need of a liver transplant, the singer also visiting and befriending the boy a year before at the "Bethesda Children's Hospital" in Budapest, Hungary where he was charged, Jackson paying for the ultimately successful surgery expenses and care. He also meets a girl admirer from Krusevac, Serbia, backstage, after a concert in Budapest, where he empathizes on the struggles of Serbian people, praising their history to her.
On March 3, 1995, Michael Jackson attends two-year old (murdered) Craig Fleming’s memorial service, pays his surviving brother’s medical costs, establishes a trust fund in benefit of the latter, as well as dedicates song "Childhood" from his "HIStory" album in his memory. He also involves himself in founding the "Community School/Safety Havens Initiative", with the purpose of creating a secure environment for the L.A. students, families and residents, and consisting in after-school activities, namely computer instruction, languages, mathematics and sports. In the mentioned year, "HTWF" brings forth entertainment figures to support "Heal L.A."s initiatives, such as pop/rap singers Kriss Kross (who visit patients at the "George C. Page Children's Hospital Community Health Center", in support of Heal L.A. Immunization Initiative), Raven-Symone and Bryton McClure (who visit students at Bancroft Middle School, in support of Heal L.A. Mentoring Initiative).
In 1995, "HTWF" and "International Rescue Committee" ship two pallets of toys to children in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. The singer further supports the rescue and release of caged dolphins by addressing a plea to authorities concerning proper legal approach on the dolphins’ life standards from zoos and parks. In the meantime, "Heal L.A." continues to support the "Community School/Safety Havens Initiative" by including over 1200 more families to the curriculum and extending its timetable.
On April 18, 1995, "HTWF", "Permanent Charities" and "EC2000" finance transportation facilities for 46 children from 18 countries to attend the "World Congress of Children" ("WCC") held at Neverland, a 3-day seminar and leadership preparation tackling children’s critical issues, such as reports on Switzerland’s child rights, the solutions being submitted by "HTWF" and "WWC" for the "World Summit of Children", during the United Nations’ Golden Jubilee in California. Jackson and his wife at the time, Lisa Presley, welcome the children to the residence. Additionally, "HTW" and "International Rescue Committee" channel 2 boxes of toys to the war regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while, along with "WCC" and "Children's Torch of Hope", convey "WCC"s mission and statement across the U.S. at over 30 events.
In December, 1995, "HTWF" and the youth ambassadors of "WCC" address a statement to the "Guardians of the Future" monument in Mexico City, co-sponsored by "EC2000", "Terra Christa Communications", "UNICEF", the mayor’s office in Mexico City and the "Coalition for Children of the Earth".
In 1995, all proceeds from the sales of the entertainer’s perfumes, "Mystique de Michael Jackson" and "Legende de Michael Jackson", named after the singer, go to charity.
In February, 1996, "HTWF/WCC" youth ambassadors from Mexico exhibit a model for sustainability to the U.N. Habitat II Prep. Committee; later on, the 2 NGO’s attend "Children First: A Global Forum" in Atlanta, Georgia, event hosted by former President, Mr. Jimmy Carter, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, "Carter Center", and "Task Force for Child Survival", and co-financed by "Rockefeller Foundation", "Annie E. Casey Foundation", "World Bank" and "Heal the World", gathering 360 representatives from 100 countries to discuss strategies on the improvement and development of children’s lives. "HTW" and "WCC" also assist the "Spectrum of Light Youth Conference" in Washington , D.C., with the intention to create new collaborations benefiting a sustainable society in a thriving environment.
On June 21, 1996, Michael Jackson donates his four-time platinum "HIStory" C.D. to the Dunblane appeal in Sevenoaks, U.K.
On July 18, 1996, Michael Jackson offers a wreath of flowers to honor the victims of the "Apartheid" riots in Soweto, South Africa, and renders a bouquet of white roses, carnations and lilies in remembrance of 11-year-old leukemia victim, Jaymee Bowen. Meanwhile, the highest bid for a Neverland visit on behalf of the star is obtained at the "Cities in School" celebrity auction and, with the aid of radio "KIIS-FM" in Los Angeles, 115,000 dollars are delivered to school pupils.
In September, 1996, the artist is guest of honor at "Hope", the first sports festivity for underprivileged children, where 3000 children and 600 volunteers have participated.
On September 6, 1996, in Prague, Chech Republic, he visits a children’s hospital. A few days later, in Bucharest, Romania, he gives away toys to and plays with children from the "Leaganul De Copii Sfanta Ecaterina" state home, which he also acknowledges with 35 million Lei (1 million dollars) and, along with a number of children, he kneels before a monument dedicated to the victims of the 1989 Romanian revolution.
On October 1, 1996, he donates earnings from one of his concerts in Tunisia to the "National Solidarity Fund", charity dedicated to fighting poverty. On October 3, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, he visits hospitals "Ronald McDonald House" and "AMC", and distributes toys and other presents to the children there. In October, Jackson also visits a facility for challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, and offers 2000 free concert tickets to them.
On November 1, 1996, Jackson donates most of the proceeds from the HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor. He also visits and endows a children’s home and a school for visually-impaired ones in Bangkok, Thailand with 100,000 dollars, toys and the like in the afore-mentioned month.
On November 7, 1996, 13-year old Emely Smith is granted the wish to encounter him backstage in Auckland, New Zealand, during a halt from his concert there, where he also visits the children’s hospital, "Starship", handing out toys, autographs and C.D.’s, respectively, to each of the young patients. In the mentioned month, Michael Jackson pays a visit to the "Prince of Wales Hospital" in Brisbane, Australia, a housing of children with cancer and heart conditions, asthma and various tumors, in which he delivers autographs and toys to over 75 children. He also visits a children’s facility in Sydney, where he similarly acknowledges more patients, as well as 6-year old severely burned victim, Tjandamurra O’Shane - doused in petrol and set alight in the grounds of a primary school by an Adelaide man - at a hospital in Australia, on a halt from the HIStory tour. "The Smith Family", a fund-raising NGO for indigent people, receives a finance portion of the artist’s Australian concerts.
On November 26, 1996, Jackson visits the "Royal Children’s Hospital" in Melbourne, Australia, where he delivers toys to and signs autographs for the children.
On December 9, 1996, he visits a children’s hospital in Manila, Philippines, donates toys, signs autographs and speaks to the medically cared for children; additionally, he makes known that a portion of his concerts would be used for renewing the hospital facilities.
On January 25, 1997, the musician waves 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from a concert held on November 1, 1996 in Bombay, India, and donates 1,1 million dollars to a local NGO educating children dwelling in slums - ”Shiv Udyog Sena” - the sum also helping to create jobs for 270,000 young unemployed people in the state of Maharashtra, Bombay; on arriving in Bombay, the singer asks to stop in order to converse with children playing in the crowded slums for 20 minutes, according to Indian journalist, Hema Shukla.
Michael Jackson performs at a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor for her AIDS benefit concert in Los Angeles, California, aired on February 27, 1997, and titled "Happy Birthday, Elizabeth" by ABC – TV.
In April, 1997, the singer donates the entire 1-million-pound profit of a British publication (it previously providing erroneous information on the birth of his first son), releasing selective photographs of the new-born son to charity. On June 18, 1997, he signs "Children in Need", a book auctioned by UNESCO.
* Jackson invites underprivileged children on stage with him in each city included in his Europe "HIStory World Tour" during world-awareness songs such as "Heal The World", similarly doing so during his "Dangerous World Tour".
* Jackson has also acknowledged his admirers and supporters throughout the years while during his tours, on occasions of events such as fan gatherings, displaying his appreciation to them by means of paper notes he would cast down from windows including, greetings, pillows and blankets. Food (such as pizza or hot chocolate), candles and the like, were delivered at his request by trucks, to each individual, and he would occasionally be inviting a few of them for a visit inside his hotel rooms for pictures and autographs. He would, additionally pay the costs for hotel accomodations for some (i.e.: in New York, following the September 11 terrorist attacks). A variety of groups (varying from families in need to his own supporters) would also be allowed to visit his mansion and its vicinities in California, including in his absence over the years, where they would help themselves with food and other facilities, as reported and/or witnessed.
* At a non-accurate date, Michael Jackson visits, offers a computer to and pays for the medical costs of a 4-year-old girl and admirer of the star at a hospital, the child being gravely injured by a dog in Washington, D.C.; in addition, he makes a discrete appearance at the funeral of two children in South Carolina, drowned in a car by their mother, for whom he speaks in their memory and pays for the last rites’ expenses.
On July 28, 1998, he mentions the establishment of "Michael Jackson Japan Co.Ltd.", the purpose of which being the construction of theme parks and toy selling around the world.
In September, 1998, Michael Jackson befriends 5-year-old cancer-ailing Aza Woods at the "Hilton Hotel" in Las Vegas, displays the "Star Treck: The Experience" show to him and invites him to his ranch, helping with his healing stages. Jackson also participates at the "Southern Africa Economic Summit" from Windhoek, Namibia, an annual event considering the formation of a newly competitive Africa, and while on a visit to Namibia, Jackson announces his plans to build a leisure complex and shopping centers in the impoverished country.
In 1998, he produces song "Children’s Holiday" (translated in Japanese by "Yasushi Okimoto"), a charity anthem and number-one single in Japan and performed by a Japanese children’s choir, all revenues of which being used in aid of the victims (and their families) of a devastating earthquake in Kobe City, Japan, in January, 1995.
In March, 1999, the entertainer negotiates with a consortium led by Malaysian entrepreneur, Abdul Rahman, to donate a certain amount of money to help create four African universities in Tunisia, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, which would be named after him.
In May, 1999, Jackson is said to be involved in the "Pavarotti & Friends for War Child" charity concert in Modena, Italy, event earning 1 million dollars for "United Nations High Commission for Refugees", an NGO benefiting refugees from Kosovo, with the help of the "Safe Children" project. The singer could not be present at the event on health purposes of his son, the late tenor performing Jackson’s "We Are The World" with the event’s artists for the finale in his absence. At an uncertain date, Jackson is said to have recorded a compact disc in honour of late Princess Diana, together with singer Paul McCartney and late tenor, Luciano Pavarotti.
On May 9, 1999, the pop star participates, alongside other artists, at the "No Boundaries" relief album, the proceeds of which being intended to provide food and shelter for the Kosovo victims.
On September 4, 1999, at the 4th Kora All-Africa Music Awards in Sun City, South Africa, Michael Jackson presents Mr. Nelson Mandela and his "Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund" with a check for 1 million rand (166,400 dollars, - a portion of the proceeds from the "Michael Jackson and Friends" concerts from June 25, 1999 in Seoul, South Korea and June 27, 1999 in Munich, Germany), the former President declaring the following on the donation: "The trustees of the Children's Foundation and myself would like to express our deepest appreciation to our friend, Michael Jackson. He is a supporter of worthy causes and I'm happy that the foundation is tonight one of his benefitions (sic). [...] And the contribution of Michael Jackson, I hope, will inspire people not only in our country, but throughout the world, to follow his example and to bring a measure of happiness to our children. [...]" In addition, the 3,3-million-dollar grossings of the "Michael Jackson and Friends – The Adventure of Humanity" benefit concerts held in Seoul, Korea and Munich, Germany, advantage "UNESCO", "Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund" and "International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies". "What More Can I Give" is the key-phrase utilized in these concerts – "the concept of giving" - , and a child’s face is shown on the videotron screens during certain parts of the Munich concert.
On December 4, 1999, Michael Jackson attends singer Whitney Houston’s Fund Raising Event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.
The New Millennium:
In January, 2000, Michael Jackson performs at the "Evening of Stars" telethon, organized by the "United Negro College Fund", the event collecting 13,5 million dollars.
On January 22, 2000, Jackson, alongside other artists, engages in financing the restoration of the "Chateau de Versailles" park, 10,000 trees from which being demolished in a tempest, and donates certain items to the 4th annual online auction by the "T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research".
On September 19, 2000, on occasion of an interview for BBC Radio Oxford, London Times' "Millennium Preacher of the Year" at the time, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, offers some tidbits on then friend, Michael Jackson and his "genuine devotion" for children, including his (the Rabbi’s). He recounts that, on occasion of Jackson’s 42 Birthday at his Neverland ranch – to which Boteach and his family were invited – the singer also welcomed a critically ill ten-year old boy, suffering from leukemia, and his family for four days. The singer would treat him to the amusements of his home, speak to him in order to help him gain post-chemotherapy confidence and pays his medical expenses, as in more such cases involving the deprived, Boteach adds, (as part of Jackson’s relief efforts outside the public eye), continuing to say that the pop star would weekly invite hundreds of children from inner city schools for day trips to his ranch, spending "millions of dollars on children who are in need", an affirmation confirmed by the singer himself, by others who have been/were in contact with Jackson and some of the media reports. Moreover, Boteach also recounts that, after reading a piece of news on a critically cancer ailing boy, Jackson asked the staff of a New York hospital to install a telephone in the boy’s room, the singer then phoning the young patient daily, his paedatrician confirmed.
In October, 2000, Michael Jackson and his family support "Wave To The World", an official fund-raising project of the Paralympic Games 2000 in Sydney, Australia, alongside a host of other stars, contacted by project founders, Mark Filby and Stephen White. Jackson puts on an orange "Wave To The World" T-shirt and participates in a video for a song, "Spirit of Life", beside siblings Rebbie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson, the latter acting as executive producer of the song. Michael Jackson, later on, invites founder Mark Filby at the Jacksons’ Hayvenhurst residence, into a room filled with memorabilia, dedicated by the entertainer to his family. A video compilation with the participating stars "waving" is, in addition, created, among whom Jermaine Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, mother Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson.
On October 28, 2000, escorted by actress and friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, he attends "Carousel of Hope", a fund-raising gala addressing juvenile diabetes, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, where he donates a self-painted plate, and a limited-edition poster at the "African Ambassadors’ Spouses" annual gala, organization directed to treating children suffering from AIDS. A few months later, he also appears on stage at the "Miracle on 34th Street" relief concert in Madison Square Garden, New York, alongside other artists.
In December, 2000, a Las Vegas relief project titled "The Way of the Unicorn/The Endangered Ones", and organized by "Big International Group of Entertainment, Inc." is approved in writing - though yet to be implemented - by means of the singer’s printed agreement to place his professional ability into the project.
On February 14, 2001, in New York, Michael Jackson, in association with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and "L’Chaim Society", announces via a seminar, the creation of "Heal The Kids", a HTW campaign lasting a year (2001) with the mission to help parents worldwide rededicate themselves to their children, by providing them with sufficient attending and moral support. Three years afterwards, Boteach declares that the charity completed its purpose.
On March 6, 2001, the singer donates a black hat, a birthday phone call and a coat worn at the World Music Awards 2000 in Monaco to the "Movie for Action Charity Auction", NGO associated with "UNICEF" in projects concerning African children and mothers with AIDS.
On March 26, 2001, Jackson delivers books to children attending a theater play in Newark, New Jersey, on opening the "Michael Jackson International Book Club", a "Heal The Kids" charitable subsidiary sponsoring juvenile reading and parental reading to children.
The singer dedicates album "Invincible" (released on October, 30, 2001) to 15-year-old murdered African-Norwegian, Benjamin Hermansen, advising on the importance of not judging a person by race, but by character.
On April 25, 2002, the musician performs at a fund-raiser at "Apollo Theater" in Harlem, New York, for the "Democratic National Committee", where nearly 3 million dollars are collected for the voting registration.
On September 15, 2002, by means of an auction, the performer donates 16 autographed items (compact discs, videos and a pair of cotton napkins), valued at 3935 Euro, to victims of a flood in Germany, as well as an autographed fedora and a jacket, worn by Jackson at the 2002 American Music Awards, to the "Tribute To Bambi" charitable auction, items calculated at 18,303 Euro and addressing the street children of Germany from "Off-Road-Kids e.V".
On October 12, 2002, as a personal acknowledgement of the gallantry and sacrificial services made by the military in his community, Jackson invites over 200 U.S. Airforce members from "Team Vandenberg" – then recently returned from overseas deployments – and their families to his residence.
On October 21, 2001, Michael Jackson performs relief songs "We Are The World", "Man In The Mirror" and "What More Can I Give" at "United We Stand", a benefit concert in Washington, D.C., collecting 15 million dollars for the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City, N.Y., with an all-stars finale featuring the charity song, "What More Can I Give", with Michael Jackson.
Between the 19 and 29 of November, 2002, the "Siegfried & Roy's" celebrity auction takes place, for which Jackson donates an autographed plush bear, benefiting "Opportunity Village" (NGO in charge of the life-expectancy issues of mentally challenged people and their families) with 5,000 dollars, including a jacket auctioned for 16,000 dollars at the "Bambi Charity Event" in Berlin, Germany, on November 21.
On June 11, 2003, Michael Jackson returns for the first time in 20 years to his hometown, Gary, Indiana, where, during a news conference with Gary Mayor Scott L. King – who presents him the key to the city, the singer announces he would partner with Mayor King to develop a performing arts center for the city, -the 'Michael J. Jackson Performing Arts Center', that would be located in downtown Gary. According to Mayor King, the singer would support the project in any role he felt comfortable with, for instance helping with the design or fund-raising. The implementation of these projects fell through, though, due to the entertainer being charged with false accusations few months later, and a trial period ending with his exoneration. Jackson, then, visits his old home where he grew up, including the Roosevelt High School, where the Jackson 5 perfomed in the 60’s. There, he tells students that "with a will of iron, with perseverance and determination" they „can do anything they want.” He is given presents and made an honorary Roosevelt graduate and Later on, he participates at „Salute To The Troops”, an event open to the public with free admission, where the troops were recognized.
In June, 2003, Michael Jackson invites the Wolfs - a German family affected by the floods of Saxony, Germany - over to Berlin, during his participation at the "Bambi Awards", including to Neverland for three days, where they met the singer's children. Jackson also donates a pair of painted footgear to the "Shoes For Charity" fund-raiser, in aid of children suffering from traumatic experiences.
On September 15, 2003, the entertainer hosts a star-studded charity event at Neverland Ranch, ticket price at presale being 725 dollars, with proceeds going to charity. Jackson declares the event "a very special cause", "our future, and the future is our children", adding that he would continue to fight for them "for the rest of my life".
On October 1, 2003, he makes an appearance at a charity event to raise funds for "Lupus L.A." and Lupus research, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
On October 27, 2003, Michael Jackson premieres the short film for charity single "What More Can I Give" in the conference area of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The same day, the edited version of the song, featuring a host of other artists, is released via the official "Music for Giving" website as a 2 – dollar download to support charity projects. The charities that received donations when "What More Can I Give" was donated were "Oneness", "Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation" and "The International Child Art Foundation". It was due to certain legal delays and misunderstandings that the charity anthem, (also previously devoted to the Kosovo victims and intended to be performed with late Luciano Pavarotti in 1999), was redirected – via Interney pay - to providing financial aid to the September 11, 2001 victims in New York.
In 2004, Michael Jackson’s custom-designed car, a Bentley Arnage Red Label Turbo, is sold at an auction benefiting the singer’s "Go For Your Dreams" foundation; the automobile served to drive to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch the host of stars that recorded the "What More Can I Give" charity single in 2001, in appreciation for their involvement in the benefit project.
On September 17, 2004, during his latest child-abuse pre-trial appearances (the singer being absolved of all counts of misconduct later in 2005), he welcomes a large group of supporters to the restaurant "Epiphany" in Boston, Massachusetts, while ordering pizzas for each individual, in appreciation for their enduring commitment to him.
On December 17, 2004, Michael Jackson invites approximately 200 people - children and their families from 6 special centers, among which churches, church schools etc - at his residence in California, and reiterates previous statements regarding the access of families, as well as tourists around the world, welcomed to spend time and tour Neverland; he also greets the gathering families and verbally addresses them holiday wishes. Jackson’s spokesperson at the time, Raymone Bain, also present at the event, says that it was not an out-of-the-ordinary event at Neverland (as previously shown): "[…] And at least 2 to 4 times a month, organizations are allowed to come here. And, since this was the last part of the holidays, he decided he would surprise the kids by doing so and they’re very happy about that". The event was an annual Christmas festivity, where hundreds of inner-city and underprivileged children and adults spent their time exploring the surroundings and the singer's ranch, riding on attractions, snacking on food and drinks, watching movies and playing in a two-story arcade, all of these being provided free-of-charge by Michael Jackson, and, often, even during his absence there.
* In relation to Neverland, at a non-accurate date, the musician composes a background song, titled "Neverland Entrance Theme", an eerie, classical composition starring a choir of children and playing as a welcome for guests visiting his residence.
During his trial (in 2005), Jackson and his parents allow a visit from fans at his home and inside of it, the admirers remaining impressed by the manifested generosity given the circumstances.
In January, 2006, while living for a year in Bahrain, the singer has been in talks with Bahraini corporation, "AAJ Holdings", over a series of potential projects in the Saudi-Arabian Gulf, varying from music academies to theme parks, with hopes to achieve city and urban evolution.
On May 28, 2006, on occasion of accepting an MTV Legend Award in Japan, Michael Jackson visits the "Seibi Gakuen" children’s home in Tokyo, where he meets more than 160 children, and watches children performing traditional music. He addresses a few words of appreciation to the audience, as well as shakes hands with and signs autographs for the children.
On March 8, 2007, the pop star revisits Tokyo, Japan for several "fan appreciation events", where he first attends a V.I.P. gala as guest of honor, amid a total of 400 admirers, impersonators and business people, as well as over 100 orphans and challenged children and adults, the deprived being given complimentary tickets by Jackson to attend the event; he also appears on stage to read an appreciation statement to the audience and to emphasize that he would neither change his career path, nor would he nurse bitterness over his lifelong succession of difficulties, despite "deliberate attempts [of "some"] to hurt me", moreover, adds: "I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me"; he poses for pictures with the guests, and signs autographs and acknowledges the assembled children. A day later, he also attends a larger festivity directed at his main fan base and for those not affording high – priced tickets, where more than 1,000 people assembled at a popular night club.
On March 10, 2007, Jackson greets approximately 3,000 U.S. forces personnel and their family members at Camp Zama, a U.S. army base in Tokyo, shakes hands with some of its members, then holds a brief speech in recognition for their sacrificial services in favor of freedom. The singer, subsequently, attends a ceremony at the respective camp in honor of a member being promoted at the time.
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