Michael Jackson the Humanitarian

    As the reports and stories unfold surrounding the life and death of the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, I'm choosing to remember the amazing talent he shared and the positive influence he spread throughout this world.  Through his various triumphs and struggles, one thing remained true through it all - Michael Jackson was a humanitarian. He gave the world joy and hope - those being sick and impoverished receiving the most from his gifts.

I wanted to take a minute today and pay tribute to him as a philanthropist; as the man who shared his money, his time, and his talent for most of his life, all over the world.

     Throughout his life, Michael Jackson gave millions and helped raise millions to support advocacy groups ranging from the American Cancer Society to the YMCA, from the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation to TransAfrica.  In fact, his giving actually made it in the 2000 Guinness Book of World Records for most charities supported by a pop star (39). 

Here are some charitable tidbits you may just not know:

• Remember the infamous hair burning episode that occured while filmilng a Pepsi commercial in 1984? Well, did you you know he donated his entire settlement he received from his case against Pepsi Co.,  $1.5 million, to a burn center.

• And if you were born before 1990, certainly you remember the release of the single "We are the World" at the 1985 American Music Awards.  But did you know that Michael Jackson co-wrote the song with Lionel Richie and was pivotal in recruiting many of the artists.  The single has sold more 20 million copies, raising millions for famine relief.   

      In 1992, he founded the "Heal the World" Foundation named after his single,  that carried a mission to provide medicine to children and fight world hunger, homelessness, child exploitation and abuse. He raised millions for his foundation through charity concerts as well as sharing career earnings.  In fact, it is reported that he donated all the profits from his shows during his Dangerous World Tour in 1992-'93 to the Foundation.

     And who can forget the great half-time show he gave us at the Super Bowl XXVII.  Jackson actually donated his entire fee from this performance to the foundation, prompting the NFL to donate $100,000 and a 30-second TV spot to push for contributions.

      Michael Jackson lived a complicated life; he seemed to suffer more than celebrate, especially later in his life. The irony being that we may never know how much of his own health and happiness he sacrificed for the happiness of others.  What is evident, however is that when you watch the video footage of Michael Jackson, you can see that nothing gave him more energy than performing for his fans and nothing gave him more joy than being able to share with those less fortunate.  He can inspire us to further understand how helping others can help ourselves as well. He can go in peace knowing that he led a compassionate and giving life and made many other feel joy and hope because of the gifts he gave the world.