This section features by no means an exhaustive list of the numerous charitable works done by Mr. Michael Jackson, The Heal the World Foundation and other charities in which Michael has given his support.
If you know of a charitable act or contribution made by Michael please contact us at HIStory@mjfanclub.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can look into adding it to our list. Please include 'Charitable Work' in the subject line of your e-mail and be sure to let us know your source. * Michael Jackson established the Heal The World Foundation in 1992.
* Heal L.A. was launched at Super Bowl XXVII with the collaboration of Heal the World, The National Football league, Frito Lay, The International Youth Foundation, and Hilton Foundation/BEST Foundation.
* Heal L.A., a collaborative children's initiative produced 3,000 mentoring relationships, immunizations for 7,000 children and drug prevention education for more than 72,000 youth.
* Heal the World has provided support for dozens of children's programs in 20 countries.
* Heal the World joined with AmeriCares to ship 47 tons of food, clothing and medical supplies to children of war-torn Sarajevo; partnered with the Gorbachev Foundation, USA to deliver 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to the Republic of Georgia. And has twice assisted the U.K. based Operation Christmas Child to airlift supplies and gifts collected by children in the U.K. to give to children in Bosnia.
* Heal the World along with Former President Jimmy Carter, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, Gladys Knight and TLC joined together to help The Atlanta Project increase the local immunization rate in a single week from the expected 6,000 to more than 17,000 and to establish a follow-up tracking system for family health care.
* Heal L.A. in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School district, California State University, Independent Colleges of Southern California, Learnstar and other local non-profit organizations created the Community School/safe Haven Initiative to provide after-school educational opportunities at two pilot sites where over 300 students per day could have computer instruction, tutoring, homework assistance, math lab, English as a second language and performing arts. 2007
March 14 -- Michael gave complimentary tickets to orphans and handicapped and physically-challenged people so that they could attend a ‘Fan Appreciation’ event in Tokyo. At the event, Michael went onto the balcony to greet them all.
May 29 -- Michael persuaded an auction house in Las Vegas to donate a portion of its profits of auctioning off lots of memorabilia of the Jackson family to charity.
2004
April 1 -- Michael received the Humanitarian Award from The African Ambassadors' Spouses Association (AASA) for his worldwide humanitarian efforts, particularly in Africa. Michael financially supported programs in Africa to build and equip hospitals, orphanages, homes, and schools and financially supported programs for Child immunization, HIV-AIDS, Education, and Apartheid.
2003
June -- The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during a flood in Germany, was invited by Michael Jackson to spend three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
September 13 -- Michael hosted a star-studded charity event at Neverland. Only 400 tickets were available for purchase. Ticket price at presale was $725, with proceeds going to charity. Among those in attendance were Aaron and Nick Carter, Mike Tyson, Penny Marshall, Pink, and BoysIIMen, to name a few. R&B singer Ashanti performed her hit single, 'Aww Baby' mixed with Michael’s hit 'Rock With You', from the 'Off The Wall' album. The Carter brothers later presented Michael with a belated birthday cake. This led to a massive food fight—which of course, Michael started! Michael addressed those in attendance: “Thank you all for coming tonight. For in my opinion, in my opinion, is a very special cause and the cause is our future and the future is our children. I will continue to fight for them for the rest of my life."
October 27 -- Michael premiered the short film for his latest charity single titled "What More Can I Give?" in the conference area of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The same day, the official “Music for Giving” web site was up and running. Beginning at 3 pm (Pacific Standard Time), the charity single “What More Can I Give?” became available online for download for a donation of $2. The following charities received donations when “What More Can I Give” was downloaded:
* Oneness
* Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
* The International Child Art Foundation
November 9 -- Michael Jackson donated painted shoes for charity. A shoe manufacturer named Tatami had the idea to create a charity titled "Shoes For Charity" for children suffering from traumas. Celebrities, including Michael Jackson, gave their donated shoes a special and unique touch by painting them.
October 27 -- Michael Jackson received the Radio Music Awards' first Humanitarian Award. The award was presented to him by pop singer Beyonce' Knowles. Knowles is among a number of artists who participated in Michael's charity single, 'What More Can I Give?'
2002
September -- Michael donated 16 autographed items consisting of CD's, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).
October -- Michael hosted more than 200 members of the U.S. Air Force and their families at Neverland on October 12, 2002 as a gesture of appreciation for those brave men and women who have served overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and domestically in Operation Noble Eagle.
November -- Michael donated an autographed white trademark fedora and a silver sequined jacket worn by himself at the 2002 American Music Awards to the 'Tribute To Bambi' charity auction. These items were auctioned off by eBay and monies raised from the event benefited "OFF-ROAD-KIDS e.V" which supports street kids in Germany. Michael's fedora raised 2310 Euro (US$ 2,303) and the jacket raised 16.000 Euro (US$ 15,950).
Micheal donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy's celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael's autographed teddy bear raised US$ 5,000 for the charity.
2001
January -- Michael donated the coat that he wore in May 2000 to Dame Elizabeth Taylor's tribute concert in London to Liam Neeson's Movie for Action Charity Auction, in aid of children and mothers with HIV. This charity is working in conjunction with UNICEF. Michael has also donated a private and personal 'birthday phone call' to a lucky bidder.
2000
In the Guinness Book of World Record's Year 2000 Millennium Edition Michael Jackson is listed as having the most charities supported by a pop star.
"Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star: Michael Jackson has supported 39 charitable organizations either with monetary donations, through sponsorships of their projects or the participation in their activities. The charities involved include AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, BMI Foundation, Inc., Childhelp USA, United Negro College Fund, YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw, The Sickle Cell Research Fund and Volunteers of America."
The following is a list of the many charities (39) who are given support by Michael Jackson:
AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, Angel Food, Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, BMI Foundation, Inc., Brotherhood Crusade, Brotman Burn Center, Camp Ronald McDonald, Childhelp U.S.A., Children's Institute International, Cities and Schools ScholarshipFund, Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Dakar Foundation, Dreamstreet Kids, Dreams Come True Charity, Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Love Match, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Minority Aids Project, Motown Museum, NAACP, National Rainbow Coalition, Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund, Red Cross, Rotary Club of Australia, Society of Singers, Starlight Foundation, The Carter Center's Atlanta Project, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation, Transafrica, Unesco,United Negro College Fund (UNCF), United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope, Volunteers of America, Watts Summer Festival, Wish Granting, YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw.
January -- The United Negro College Fund's "Evening Of Stars" January 15th telethon fundraiser raised $13.5 million in cash and pledges. Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, and Barry White were among the performers. [Source: Billboard]
The violent storm which ravaged the north of France during the night of the 25 December 1999 destroyed 10,000 trees in the park of the Chateau de Versailles (former castle of the Kings of France). The wind gusts, blowing at 100 mph destroyed 80% of the rare historic trees, planted during the XVIII and XIX centuries. It will take years and years to rebuild the park at an estimate of around $35 million. It is reported that some celebrities including Michael Jackson, Gregory Peck and Kirk Douglas have donated money to help restore this park. [reported by French officials]
May -- Michael Jackson donated items to 4th annual online auction for the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research.
Michael Jackson escorted Elizabeth Taylor in the gala tribute in her honor at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Proceeds from this tribute benefited the Red Hot Aids Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.
October -- Michael and other members of the Jackson family support 'WAVE TO THE WORLD' an official fund-raising project of the Paralympic Games 2000 in Sydney, Australia.
Michael's attends the Carousel Of Hope charity ball with friend Elizabeth Taylor. The event was given to raise funds to help fight childhood diabetes. Michael also donated a plate he painted to be auctioned at the event.
Michael donated one of his fedoras, which he autographed, and a limited-edition poster for an auction at the annual gala of the African Ambassadors' Spouses association to help raise money to fight childhood AIDS in Africa.
November -- President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson and Jordan's Queen Noor were honored for their work to fight cancer at a star-studded black-tie dinner to raise $4 million for the New York-based G&P cancer Foundation, which funds research into leukemia, lymphoma and related cancers. The G&P foundation was created by Denise Rich to honor her daughter, who died of leukemia at the age of 27.
December -- Michael Jackson appeared on stage at the "Miracle On 34th Street", a charity concert organized by radio station KTU 103,5 FM at the Madison Square Garden in New York, USA.
1999
June -- Michael Jackson and Friends concerts in Korea and Germany raise $3.3 million dollars for the humanitarian agencies UNESCO, Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
1996
February -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassador from Mexico presents model for creating a sustainable environment to the U.N. Habitat II Prep Committee.
April -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors attend Children First: A Global Forum, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, hosted by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Rosalyn Carter, the Carter Center, and the Task Force for Child Survival, and co-sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The World Bank, and Heal the World, brings together 360 representatives from 100 countries to discuss strategies to improve the quality of life for children.
April -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors attend the Spectrum of Light Youth Conference in Washington, D.C. to form partnerships to emphasize the need for a sustainable society based on a healthy environment.
May -- Michael Jackson sends a floral tribute of white roses, carnations and lilies to the funeral of one of his British fans. The inscription reads, "May your courage be an inspiration to us all. Your spirit shines on. Love, Michael Jackson" Eleven-year-old Jaymee Bowen had lost her battle with leukemia. Her favorite songs -- Farewell My Summer Love, Ben and Never Can Say Goodbye -- were played at the funeral services. [Source: MJIFC]
June -- A donated trip to Neverland Ranch received the highest bid at a Cities in School celebrity auction. Los Angeles KIIS-FM and Cities in School organized the event, raising over $115,000 to benefit school children. A trip for four to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch received the highest bid of $5,200. [Source: MJIFC]
September -- Michael Jackson visits a state orphanage in Bucharest, Romania prior to his concert before 70,000 in that city. After handing out toys, Michael said, "I wish all the world was here to see this, instead of sending our brothers to the killing fields. This is our future -- children. I love you all so much." [Source: MJIFC]
October -- Jackson visits a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung are offered to children.
October -- Michael Jackson contributes almost 85 percent of earnings from the Indian leg of the HIStory World Tour to a Hindi charity organization, the Shiv Udyog Sena, and will help leaders to create jobs for 270,000 young people from the state of Maharashtra. [Source: MJIFC]
October -- Michael Jackson visits two hospitals, Ronald McDonald House and AMC, in Amsterdam distributing toys and gifts at each during his tour stop.
October -- Michael Jackson performs a benefit concert in Tunisia.
The concert benefited the National Solidarity Fund, a Tunisian charity dedicated to fighting poverty. [Source: MJIFC]
November -- During scheduled tour stops in Brisbane, Australia, Michael Jackson visits the Prince of Wales Hospital which houses children suffering from assorted ailments, including cancer, heart trouble, asthma and tumors. He signs autographs and distributes toys to over 75 children, spending hours with the kids. [Source: Press Release by Burson-Marsteller]
November -- Michael Jackson visits a children's hospital in Sydney prior to being publicly feted by Sony Music honoring his sales (exceeding $75 million in Australia) at a reception held in his honor at the Opera House. Again, reports state that he spends over two hours speaking to the children, signing autographs and distributing gifts to each child. Reports also surface that Michael had committed a portion of his receipts from his nine Australian performances to "The Smith Family", a charity dedicated to feeding the needy. [Source: MJIFC field report from Swa, Shaz and Ian McKee]
November -- Michael Jackson grants American news magazine, American Journal, permission to accompany him for two weeks on his tour itinerary. Phenomenal footage narrated by Les Trent depicts Michael Jackson's visit to "Starship," a children's hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, following Jackson from room to room as he speaks to each child, leaving each a toy and autographed photo or CD. In answer to Trent's question regarding how the children's faces make him feel, Jackson touches his chest, replying "It touches my heart." Jackson is also shown backstage just moments prior to his sold out performance, comforting Emily Smith, a shy, 13-year-old cancer victim. He welcomes her to the "shy club" while holding her in his arms and ruffling her curly hair, then poses for photographs with Emily and her family and rushes off to prepare himself for the show.
In Bangkok, Thailand, Michael Jackson is shown visiting an orphanage and a school for blind children. At the orphanage, he leaves a donation of $100,000 American dollars as well as distributing toys and gifts to children at both the orphanage and school for the blind. An orphanage spokeswoman comments, "They don't know him as a pop star. To them he is just a very nice man who came here to offer hope." [Source: American Journal news footage]
November -- Bombay, India -- 85% of the $5 to $6 million ticket receipts from one concert is slated to go to he Shiv Udyog Sena to help create jobs for 270,000 young people in the state of Maharashtra, of which Bombay is the capital. Upon arriving in Bombay, Jackson asks his driver to stop the motorcade transporting him from the airport to his hotel to allow him to spend 20 minutes talking with children playing in the crowded slums he must pass en route. [Source: Indian journalist Hema Shukla]
1995
February -- Heal L.A. expanded curriculum offerings and program hours of the Community School/Safe Havens Initiative to include over 1200 families.
February -- Michael Jackson privately requests permission to attend funeral services for little Craig Fleming, a two-year old boy whose mother threw him over the side of a Los Angeles bridge along with his four-year-old brother, before jumping to her own planned death. The mother and four-year-old survived the incident, although the child, Michael, was badly battered, requiring medical aid. Michael Jackson presented a contribution towards Michael Fleming's medical expenses and founded a special trust fund for Michael's care. Jackson later dedicated the song Childhood on the HIStory album to the memory of Craig Fleming with these words, "Childhood is dedicated to Little Craig Fleming and his surviving brother, Michael, for whom a scholarship fund has been established to ensure that his childhood ushers in a future of all possibilities. Love, MJ" [Numerous sources]
March -- HTW paid for liver transplant for 4 year old, Bela Farkas.
April -- HTW with Permanent Charities and EC2000 sponsored 46 children from 18 countries to gather at Neverland for the World Congress of Children, a three-day seminar and leadership training to discuss critical children's issues.
June -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors present the findings of the World Children's Congress to the World Summit of Children during the United Nations 50th Anniversary celebration in San Francisco, CA. and meet with U.N. Secretary Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many U.N.ambassadors.
Summer -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassador from Mexico accompanies Children's Torch of Hope across the United States bringing the message of the World Children's Congress to over 30 events sponsored by the Coalition for Children of the Earth and EC2000.
October -- Recording Artists BROWNSTONE and Tasha Scott perform 2 shows for students at Horace Mann Middle School to launch new school year for Community School/Safe Havens Initiative.
October -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors report to the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Switzerland.
December -- Heal the World/World Children's Congress youth ambassadors address the dedication of the "Guardians of the Future" monument in Mexico City, co-sponsored by EC2000, Terra Christa Communications, UNICEF, the office of the mayor of Mexico City, and Coalition for Children of the Earth.
December -- HTW in association with the International Rescue Committee, shipped two pallets of toys to children in war-torn Bosnia and Hercegovina.
1994
January -- Heal the World in conjunction with Unihealth and the Los Angeles Immunization Coalition provided vaccines to children made homeless by the Los Angeles earthquake. Heal the World with Discovery Toys also donated hundreds of toys to the children participating in the immunization drive.
January -- Over $85,000 from Heal L.A. is distributed toward earthquake relief efforts through grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to aiding families with long-term recovery in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas including 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 the Vaughn Street Family Center.
January -- HTW in association with General Electric, Lever Brothers, and Surf Wash donated washers, dryers, and soap to 25 non-profit organizations to provide free laundry services to families affected by the Los Angeles earthquake of January 17, 1994.
January -- HTW, Heal L.A. with the Salvation Army treated over 400 homeless children and parents living in shelters to a day at Universal Studios.
January -- Michael Jackson hosts one hundred children from the Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation in Los Angeles at his Neverland Ranch. Michael spent the day mingling with the children, posing for photographs and signing autographs. The children watched Beethoven's 2nd, played in the amusement park and checked out the zoo.
Spring -- Heal L.A Immunization and Mentoring Initiatives promoted by a visit to patients by pop/rap artist Kriss Kross to the George C. Page Children's Hospital Community Health Center and pop/rap artists Raven-Symone and Bryton McClure visit to students at the Bancroft Middle School.
Summer -- HTW in conjunction with the Los Angeles Unified School District, Youth Services, the I Have A Dream Foundation, Best Buddies, Overcoming Obstacles, and California One to One, provides 2000 children with tickets to see Janet Jackson in concert, the " L.A. Laker Jam", and The Beach Boys in concert.
August -- HTW with Toys 'R' Us and AmeriCares distributed $20,000 worth of toys, food, and supplies to children's hospital in Budapest, Hungary.
August -- HTW funds are pledged for a liver transplant to save the life of 4 year old Bela Farkas, a patient at Bethesda Children's Hospital in Budapest, Hungary.
Fall -- Heal LA funds implementation of the Los Angeles Team Mentoring Program in six Los Angeles Unified School District Middle Schools in the South Central Los Angeles and the Pico Union Districts, reaching over 1,000 young people and utilizing 300 volunteer mentors.
October -- HTW launched the Community School/Safe Havens Initiative designed to provide Los Angeles communities with a safe environment in which students, families, and residents can pursue after-school academic and recreational activities such as free instruction in computers, language and math skills, tutoring and sports.
1993
A new U.S. Children's Relief Initiative announced in Los Angeles: "Heal LA", in collaboration with Cities In Schools, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the BEST Foundation, Watts Health Foundation, and the Partnership for a Drug Free America, will help solve the problems facing inner-city youth by providing drug-abuse and AIDS prevention education, mentoring, and immunization campaigns.
HTW Donated $1.25 million plus proceeds from Michael Jackson's half-time performance at Super Bowl XXVII to Heal LA
February and March -- In association with Sega, HTW launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 worth of computer games and equipment to Children's hospitals, Children's homes, and Children's charities throughout the U.K.
March -- Immunization/Children's Health Initiative announced by HTW foundation and Former President Jimmy Carter and The Atlanta Project.
March -- Urban anti-drug media campaign launched by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Partnership for a Drug-free California and The BEST Foundation in Los Angeles with support from HTW Foundation and Heal L.A.
April -- Michael Jackson makes unannounced tour of three Heal L.A. Project sites in South Central Los Angeles participating in discussions with children and service providers.
May -- Michael Jackson visits Atlanta. Heal the World, Former President Jimmy Carter's Atlanta Project Immunization/Children's Health Initiative, the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, Gladys Knight, and TLC provide for the immunization of 17,000 children in 5 days in Atlanta, Georgia.
June -- Michael Jackson hosts one hundred children at his ranch from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles.
June -- Michael Jackson attends a rally in Los Angeles to launch a new DARE program, called DAREPLUS (Drug Abuse Resistance Education - Play and Learn Under Supervision)
July -- Mallory Cyr, an eight-year-old girl from Sabattus, Maine who suffers from a rare intestinal disease, receives a letter and generous check from Michael Jackson. The letter was a result of a letter-writing campaign organized by school children. Jackson's letter read, "I am sending you all my loving and caring, Mallory, along with the enclosed gift, which I hope will help nourish you and keep you strong." Mallory's intestinal condition made it nearly impossible for her to eat and she was being fed intravenously. [Source: Peoria Journal Star]
August -- Heal the World with Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, to support school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.
Fall -- It is announced that the proceeds of concerts to be held in New Delhi, India would be directed to the Ghandi Foundation for Children. Pepsi guaranteed $160,000 from the two shows.
Fall -- In Tel Aviv, Israel on a tour stop, Michael Jackson visits a children's hospital, distributing toys and talking with the children.
September -- While in Japan, Michael Jackson visited a school at a US naval base. A terminally ill Dutch boy, 15-year-old Martijn Hendricsen and his two brothers are flown to Japan in response to a request by the Make A Wish Foundation. Martijn, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, wanted to meet his idol, Michael Jackson.
October -- Heal the World with Pepsi-Cola International donated new ambulances to the Moscow's Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
October -- HTW grants totaling $100,000 are distributed to The Children's Defense Fund, The Children's Diabetes Foundation, The Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey to further the provision of health services to children.
October -- Michael Jackson pays for five thousand under privileged children to visit El Nuevo Reino Aventura amusement park in Mexico City, Mexico. [Numerous sources]
October -- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- Michael Jackson donates thousands of tickets to his concert to disadvantaged children. And in Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Michael Jackson donates thousands of tickets to his October 6 concert to ill, needy and disadvantaged children.
December -- Heal the World with the Gorbachev Foundation, USA airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, in the Republic of Georgia.
December -- Heal the World in association with the U.K. Operation Christmas Child, sends to children in Bosnia over 100,000 "shoebox gifts" of toys, small gifts, and letters donated by children in the U.K.
1992
February -- Michael Jackson goes on a two-week visit to Africa where he visits schools, churches and institutions for mentally retarded children. (Numerous Sources)
May -- Michael Jackson pays for a young boy's funeral who had been killed by a stray bullet during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, California.
May -- President George Bush presents Michael Jackson with an award acknowledging him as a "Point of Light" ambassador in recognition of Jackson's efforts in inviting disadvantaged children to his home in California.
June -- Operation One to One honors Michael Jackson in recognition of his efforts in support of economically disadvantaged youth.
June -- Michael Jackson presents a check for 40,000 DM to Munich Mayor Georg Kronawitter to help the city's needy children. He also visits Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam to donate 100,000 pounds. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
July -- Donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome. Donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.
July -- Psychologist Dr. Wayne Dyer dedicates his book Real Magic to Michael Jackson. Dr. Dyer felt Michael deserved the honor because of his commitment to world peace and helping children.
August -- The first Heal The World European Children's Congress meets in London, England. Eighty-four children between the ages of 8 and 16 come together to express their views on the world's biggest problems and the solutions, as they see them. Despite a case of laryngitis, Michael Jackson arrives at Regent's College after lunch and stays for approximately four hours. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
September -- Donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.
September -- Michael Jackson goes to Bucharest, Romania to open a playground he donated funds for at the Leaganul Pentru Copii Sfinta Ecaterina orphanage. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
November -- Forty-seven tons of winter relief supplies airlifted to the children of Sarajevo in association with AmeriCares, including medical items, blankets, winter clothing, and shoes.
December -- Relief supplies airlifted to children in Bosnia in association with Operation Christmas Child, consisting of 30,000 "shoebox gifts" of toys, school items, photographs, and letters collected by U.K. schoolchildren.
December -- Michael Jackson donates a videotaped appeal to be broadcast in aid of the United Negro College Fund.
1991
April -- Michael Jackson organizes "chimpanzee tea party" to benefit Jane Goodall's ape research institute. In May, Michael attends a Jane Goodall International Tribute Benefit. Michael assumes the honorary "chair" of the organization. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
1990
February -- Michael Jackson performs at a musical variety special to honor Sammy Davis, Jr. and proceeds from the special, $250,000, are donated to the United Negro College Fund.
April -- Michael is honored as the "Entertainer of the Decade" on behalf of the Capital Children's Museum. Later, he is guest of honor at a fund raising banquet to benefit the museum. The award is presented by President George Bush at the White House.
May -- Make A Wish Foundation arranges a visit for 14-year-old John Brown, a young cancer victim, to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
June -- Michael treats 45 children from the Los Angeles Dream Street program to a tour of his ranch, a movie and lunch.
August -- One hundred thirty children from the YWCA Summer Program in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are invited to Michael's Neverland Ranch.They enjoy a barbecue, play video games, visit his zoo and watch movies. Each child takes home a free pair of sneakers.
Fall -- Michael throws a party for eighty abused or neglected children from the Village of Childhelp in Beaumont, California. Later he hosted fifty children from Maclaren Hall and the Make a Wish Foundation at his home in California.
1989
February -- Children at the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California receive a visit from Michael Jackson. The children had earlier been traumatized by a sniper opening fire on their school. Many of those present reported that Jackson's visit helped them to feel safe again. [Sources: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995); 'Michael Jackson: The King Of Pop' by Lisa D. Campbell; 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]
Spring -- Michael Jackson invites two hundred children from St. Vincent's Home for Dysfunctional Children and from the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara to help him celebrate his purchase of Neverland Ranch.
Mid 1989 -- Michael Jackson is presented with the Black Radio Exclusive Humanitarian Award at the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California for his charitable and humanitarian work. He also receives the National Urban Coalition Artist/Humanitarian Award in appreciation for his participation in their "Say Yes to a Youngster" program which encourages kids to study math and science.
December -- Ryan White, a young victim of AIDS, spends a vacation at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
1988-1989 -- Michael Jackson begins his Bad World Tour. During many of the stops Michael is joined backstage prior to the concert with ill children from the local areas in which he performs. Seth Riggs, Michael's vocal coach, remarks, "Every night the kids would come in on stretchers, so sick they could hardly hold their heads up. Michael would kneel down at the stretchers and put his face right down beside theirs so that he could have his picture taken with them, and then give them a copy to remember the moment." [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]
1988
February -- Man in the Mirror enters the music charts. Jackson's royalties from the sale of this single are donated to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children with cancer. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
March -- Second stop of the first US leg of the Bad Tour, New York -- Michael Jackson performs at the Madison Square Garden, the first of three concerts is a benefit for the United Negro College Fund. He presents a check for $600,000 to Christopher Edley, UNCF President, making him one of the UNCF's largest contributors. The reviews in New York read, "Michael's act has already gone well beyond a pop music concert. By this time, 97 young people had benefited from Michael Jackson's generosity to the United Negro College Fund. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]
April -- It is announced that 4,000 tickets from Michael Jackson's concerts in Britain will be donated to ITV Telethon which will raise 200,000 pounds for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
May -- Michael Jackson visits Rome's Bambin Gesie Hospital during a tour stop, passing out candy and autographed pictures to the children.
June -- Music celebrity auction to benefit the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research boasts a black fedora signed by Michael Jackson as its winning bid. It sold for over $4,000. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
July -- Michael Jackson presents a check in the amount of $450,000 to the Princes' Trust, a charity for disadvantaged children. He also contributes to the Wishing Well Fund, established to help finance the construction of a new building for London's Hospital for Sick Children. Michael toured the hospital and visited with some of the patients. He also donated 100,000 pounds to the
Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, where he visited the ill children, reading them a story. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrain Grant (1995)]
August -- Michael performs a concert for the British Charity, Give For Life. The $130,000 proceeds from the concert were contributed toward helping immunize 40,000 children.
October -- Michael Jackson presents a check in the amount of $125,000 to Esther Edwards and Berry Gordy for the maintenance and upkeep of Hittsville, USA, Motown's Museum in
Detroit, Michigan. He also contributed a black fedora, a white beaded glove and costume from the Motown Era for display.
December -- Reports appear in many media forums that David Rothenberg, a young child who had been critically injured by his father setting him on fire, had received compassionate visits from Michael Jackson. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
Late 1988 -- One hundred tickets to the Atlanta, Georgia Bad Tour concerts were given to the Children's Wish Foundation to be distributed to terminally ill children.
1987
November -- Michael Jackson donates 10,000 pounds to the Children in Need Appeal in Britain. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
November -- Michael Jackson visits a children's hospital while touring in Australia. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]
September -- While touring in Japan, Michael Jackson donates thirty personal items to an auction, the proceeds of which went toward educating children in the third world. Among the items were sunglasses, t-shirts and a windbreaker. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]
September -- Michael Jackson donates $20,000 to the family of a young Japanese boy, Yoshiyaki, who had been recently kidnapped and killed. News footage of his empathy with Yoshiyaki and his family shows a highly emotional Michael Jackson addressing the incident, "I am very sorry and deeply saddened to hear about Yoshiyaki. If I could, I would like to 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 never happens again. And I love you." Jackson then proceeded into the song I Just Can't Stop Loving You. [Source: film footage of the Bad World Tour in Japan]
1986
February -- Donna Ashlock from Patterson, California receives a call from Michael Jackson after he learns she is a devoted fan. In March, the fourteen-year-old girl visits Michael at home in Encino, California. She stays for lunch and watches a movie. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
October -- Michael's Pets, a line of stuffed animals modeled after Michael Jackson's zoo is released to market. Michael Jackson requests that from each purchase, one dollar should be donated to a children's charity. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
1985
January -- Michael Jackson is one of the first artists to arrive at A&M Lion Share Studios for the historic recording which brought dozens of nationally acclaimed artists together in the hope of alleviating famine in Africa. In an all night session, the largest-grossing single in the history of the recording arts, We Are The World, is recorded, spawning a videocassette and a book, all the proceeds of which would be funneled directly through to famine relief efforts. The famine relief efforts of this recording resulted in over $60 million dollars being channeled directly into the countries most affected. Michael Jackson contributed to the effort not only as featured artist, but co-wrote the song with Lionel Ritchie and recorded the demo tracks distributed to the participating artists. [Numerous sources]
Early 1985 -- Michael Jackson visits a young girl who was paralyzed in a car accident in Miami, Florida. Later, he sent her a tape of the Victory Tour concerts and a tour jacket. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]
1984
January -- During the filming of Pepsi commercials, Michael Jackson is burned. As a result of the on-set accident, he is admitted to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California. Despite palm-sized second and third-degree burns to the back of his head when pyrotechnics, somehow, went awry, Jackson visited several other burn patients and later donated a hyperbaric chamber (used to treat burn victims) in addition to a large donation toward preparing and equipping the Michael Jackson Burn Center. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]
April -- Michael Jackson endows a nineteen-bed unit at the Mount Sinai New York Medical Center, a division of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
May -- Michael Jackson donates the use of his song Beat It to a national advertising campaign against drinking and driving. For his contribution, he received a Special Achievement Award presented by President Ronald Reagan. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]
July -- Michael Jackson and his family hold a press conference to announce the changing of the ticket distribution system for the Victory Tour. During his speech, he announces, "Finally, and most importantly, ... I want you to know that when I first agreed to tour, I decided to donate all the money I make from our performances to charity." Three charities benefited from Michael's generosity: The United Negro College Fund established the Michael Jackson Scholarship Fund which, by 1988, had provided scholarships for 70 students at UNCF member schools , Camp Good Times for terminally ill children and the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Magic And The Madness' by J. Randy Taraborelli]
July -- The Jacksons perform at Texas Stadium in Dallas, donating 1200 tickets to underprivileged children (valued at $39,000). [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
July -- The Jacksons, performing in Jacksonville, Florida entertain eight children suffering from incurable diseases. Fourteen-year-old Malanda Cooper, a young victim, who has only a short time to live, writes the Major asking to meet Michael. Michael meets her backstage prior to a performance. Later 700 disadvantaged children are treated to the show. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
August -- As negotiations for a performance in Gary, Indiana break down, the Jacksons transport forty children from the Thelma Marshall Children's Home for orphans, foster children 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 the third performance there. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
Summer _- David Smithey a fourteen year-old fan, through the auspices of the Brass Ring Society, fulfills a lifelong dream. He is invited to visit Michael Jackson in his home in Encino. David, a victim of cystic fibrosis had long wished to meet Jackson. The two young people shared an afternoon watching movies in the private screening room, eating lunch and playing video games. Before leaving, he was treated by the superstar to a black sequined glove and his red leather jacket from Beat It. Seven weeks later, David Smithey died. [Numerous sources]
1981
July -- Concert in Atlanta Georgia, Triumph Tour, - benefit concert raises $100,000 at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia for the Atlanta Children's Foundation in response to a series of kidnappings and murders that had been plaguing the children of Atlanta for months. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop' and 'Michael Jackson: The King of Pop's Darkest Hour' by Lisa D. Campbell (Branden Books 1993 and 1995)]
1979
January -- Michael Jackson donates an unspecified number of books, including Peter Pan to the Chicago Public Library's Young Adult Section and promotes reading through a library program called Boogie to the Book Beat. [Source: 'Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary' by Adrian Grant (1995)]
