“This virus strikes at the heart of the communities we are close to,” said Estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain in a joint statement. “We learned that the legendary (saxophonist) Manu Dibango just passed away from the virus. Other performers and support staff in music and on Broadway are sick or have been left without work and are facing an uncertain future.”
Jackson died in 2009 at age 50.
MusiCares — a charitable arm of The Recording Academy — provides critical assistance for members of the music industry in times of need. The coronavirus has devastated all aspects of the music business, particularly live with the cancellations of tours and shut down of venues.
“MusiCares is very grateful for the outpouring of generosity we’ve seen from many in the music industry to grow the COVID-19 Relief Fund,” said MusiCares chair Steve Boom in a statement. “The challenges that our industry is facing right now are enormous. It is contributions such as these that will help our community survive in this unprecedented time of tremendous need.”
Broadway Cares, is an industry-based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization which funds the social service work of The Actors Fund, in addition to awarding grants to AIDS service organizations nationwide.
In New York, the Estate is answering the challenge made by more than 20 Broadway producers who are matching up to $1 million in donation,s doubling the impact of contributions to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.
“With every passing day that theaters remain dark, entertainment and performing arts professionals face unprecedented and immediate challenges,” said Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS executive director Tom Viola in a statement. “This incredibly generous donation from the Michael Jackson Estate will help ensure those onstage, backstage and behind the scenes get lifesaving health care, emergency financial assistance and counseling during and after this crisis.”
In Las Vegas, the entire city has been shut down leaving thousands of workers and their families devastated and without an income. The Estate’s donation will provide 300,000 meals and supplies to the needy, helping to maintain Las Vegas hunger-relief organization Three Square the largest food-bank in Southern Nevada.
“Before the pandemic, 1 in 8 Southern Nevadans lived in a food-insecure household, said Three Square CEO Michelle Beck in a statement. “That number will increase exponentially with the displacement of thousands of workers in our community. Thank you to the estate of Michael Jackson for stepping up to help children, families, veterans and senior citizens who may need help now more than ever.”
Branca and McClain say all three of these communities were good to Jackson and the estate.
“Michael’s spirit of generosity and helping others during his lifetime is legendary,” they jointly explai. “These donations are inspired by him.”
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