Michael Jackson Estate Donates To COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Broadway Cares, MusiCares and Three Square Food Bank in Nevada to Receive Funds

LOS ANGELES --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.

Broadway Cares, Three Square Food Bank (Southern Nevada's largest hunger-relief organization) and MusiCares will each receive a $100,000 donation.  

"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," said John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.

"Michael's spirit of generosity and helping others during his lifetime is legendary. These donations are inspired by him," they concluded.

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.  Jackson loved attending Broadway performances and 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," Michelle Beck, Chief Development Officer.

The Recording Academy and MusiCares will support the music makers who Michael Jackson worked with and loved in a time where the industry is being challenged at every level from the virus. "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." 

About the organizations:

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theater community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.
Contact:  Lane Beauchamp, beauchamp@broadwaycares.org

Three Square's mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. They combine food banking (warehousing canned and boxed goods), food rescue (obtaining surplus or unused meats, bread, dairy and produce from hospitality and grocery outlets) and ready-to-eat meals to be the most complete food solution for Southern Nevada.
Contact:  Michelle Beck, MBeck@ThreeSquare.org

The Recording Academy® and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares® have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all.