The Many Faces of Manilow's Philanthropy

The Desert Sun has deemed Barry Best Valley Celebrity and it was largely because of his community involvement and philanthropy:

...in the mid-1990s he stepped up his philanthropic activities to support College of the Desert's music program. Then he supported the McCallum Theatre, the Palm Springs Art Museum, Desert Regional Medical Center, the AIDS Assistance Program and the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower Medical Center.

But this year, he really stepped up his philanthropy. This year, he elevated to Frank-Sinatra-heir-apparent status among performers using their celebrity for the philanthropic good of the valley. Manilow became the first celebrity to be honored with a Steve Chase Humanitarian Award for Community Service at the Desert AIDS Project's 25th anniversary gala in February. Before that, he started this help-out trend by distributing $500,000 worth of musical instruments for valley schools.

Along this vein, and in honor of his gifts, here are some pics to remind us all of how often and how much he gives.

From left to right: A benefit concert for Cystic Fibrosis, The City of Hope Award, AmFar charity event

From left to right: Manilow Music Project, Breast Cancer benefit concert, Steve Chase Humanitarian award

Now that's the reason we are all PROUD of Mr. Manilow,
Texas Fan

The Manilow Fund

It's not often that a charity contacts its supporters and asks them how to spend the money that's been donated. It's a unique concept, but one that seems important to Barry and those who run his charity.

I would imagine that most people won't even take the time to offer a suggestion, but if you don't, you're missing out on a blessing. If you don't get involved and take the time to suggest one of your favorite charities, how will they know? And better yet, how will you be able to influence the lives of the people whose charity you recommend?

I was watching an episode of West Wing yesterday and I was reminded of this famous quote: "Decisions are made by those who show up." Try showing up sometime. Maybe, just maybe, a decision will be made because you did. Click the link below and do your part! Submit a charity for their consideration.

Manilow Fund for Health and Hope

Texas Fan