The Michael Jackson Estate is donating $300,000 to coronavirus response efforts to help three communities that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
The money is being split three ways, with a $100,000 donation going to each of Broadway Cares, Three Square Food Bank (Southern Nevada’s largest hunger-relief organization) and MusiCares.
Speaking last week to announce the $300,000 contribution, John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson Estate, said: “This virus strikes at the heart of the communities we are close to. We learned today that the legendary Manu Dibango, (“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin”) 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. And in Las Vegas, which has been so welcoming to Michael Jackson, the entire city has been shut down leaving thousands of workers and their families devastated and without an income.”
Branca and McClain added: “Michael’s spirit of generosity and helping others during his lifetime is legendary. These donations are inspired by him.”
“Michael’s spirit of generosity and helping others during his lifetime is legendary. These donations are inspired by him.”
John Branca and John McClain
In New York, the Estate is answering the challenge made by more than 20 Broadway producers who are matching up to $1 million in donations, doubling the impact of contributions to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. The Estate is currently in production on MJ the Musical with its partner Lia Vollack Productions
“With every passing day that theaters remain dark, entertainment and performing arts professionals face unprecedented and immediate challenges,” said Tom Viola, executive director Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
“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 Estate’s donation will provide 300,000 meals to the needy, and help to maintain Three Square Food Bank’s supplies, the largest foodbank in Southern Nevada.
Since opening in February 2013, Michael Jackson ONE, produced by Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jackson, has been one of the most popular shows in Vegas. “Before the pandemic, 1 in 8 Southern Nevadans lived in a food-insecure household and 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,” said Michelle Beck, Chief Development Officer.
MusiCares, a non-profit arm of the Recording Academy – the org behind the Grammys – has announced a Coronavirus Relief Fund which has so far raised multiple millions of dollars.
“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 Steve Boom, MusiCares Chair. “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.”
Other industry parties who have contributed to the MusiCares Relief Fund include Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora / SiriusXM, Spotify, TIDAL, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and YouTube Music.Music Business Worldwide
