After being gone for about 2 weeks, I have a new perspective coming back to the MJJ community. As many of you know, my son passed away on February 14. Some friends and MJ fans set up a St. Jude's tribute page, and within 36 hours, over $1500 had been donated to St. Jude's in Aaron's memory. I'm fairly sure this was Ivy's concept, because she mentioned to me this idea before Aaron died, as an Estate authorized charity.
When I returned from the funeral, I emailed the Estate and showed them what MJ fans had donated in Aaron's memory. The online team stated that it was very nice, but that a MJ St. Jude's donation page would have to be approved by both St. Jude's and it would need court approval as well.
I emailed back, and told them I understood that there was red tape, but that there would be in all probability, and endless amount of donations to St. Jude's if fans could donate in Michael's memory. Of course, the Estate is accutely aware that Michael placed a huge importance on children, especially sick children.
I am under the impression that John Branca is willing to work with the fan base, although that was not communicated to me by the online team. My impression is because when the fan base has been in an uproar (think Discovery's autopsy show), the executors have stepped in and interceded.
This could be a unifying effort for the Michael Jackson fan base. In addition, it could greatly reduce the amount of fraud that has occurred with regard to donations to Michael Jackson projects. Instead of Michael's advocates being bogged down in informational blogs which warn his fans against fraud, we could be moving in the direction in which he would want us to. Think of how many children we could help, and with the reassurance that the money is donated DIRECTLY to St. Jude's in Michael Jackson's memory.
So with that, please pass the blog on to any sites you are aware of, and ask them if they would be willing to sign a letter to the Estate asking for an AUTHORIZED charity. I will have a letter up either tonight or tomorrow. Please leave your site, club or name in the comments below. Remember folks, Michael told us it's all for L.O.V.E., and that's what we all aim to do. Ignore the hate, remember the L.O.V.E. of Michael Jackson.
12 comments:
You have my 100% support Justice. Kind regards, Annie Fernandex
I think this is a perfect way to unify the fanbase and work toward making the changes Michael cared so deeply about. This should be our focus, this should be why we are here, this should be why we call ourselves fans, supporters and advocates. We have done too much talking, now is the time to start working actively. Let's make that change!
St Judes does wonderful work for children.I have been donating to them on my own, in memory of Michael Jackson since his untimely passing..It is a great idea.!
Nancy Foster Russell
The King would be proud of his fans.Great great idea.
St.Judes Childrens Hospital has maintained a superior rating for years. They would be an excellent choice by the Estate and Katherine.
Unfortunately, I believe it's too early for the Estate to make charity decisions as per probate law, charities are the last on the list to receive donations from an Estate. The Estate currently has creditor lawsuits pending through 2012 and early 2013. Once the executors get the majority finalized, then they will be in a position to name MJ charities.
It would be nice for some MJ fans to express their charity choices, but IMO, it's too early to push this issue.
@anonymous who suggests too early to be discussing charities, I believe Justice is suggesting asking the Estate for an AUTHORIZED reputable charity to which supporters could make direct donations now in Michael's name. This wouldn't have anything to do with where the final remainder of Michael's estate would go after creditors' claims and beneficiaries are paid. I just made a donation to the Heart Association in memory of a recently deceased relative; I see no difference between this and what Justice is suggesting. Great idea.
I 100% support this idea! St. Judes is an excellent organization with a wonderful and long established reputation. Although it's too early for Estate funds to go to St. Judes it's not too early to have the estate publically recommend them as a worthy charity for MJ fans to donate their money to in Michael's name. Many have already done so anyway....:-)
June is correct. This would be a request by the fans to the Estate to establish an authorized charity that fans could donate to, which would be separate from the 20% Michael designated from his estate. All we would be asking for is for the estate to authorize a charity, preferably one that would benefit children, to eliminate some of the fraud in the fan base. Imagine the possibilities...
Count us in. Cadeflaw Advocates Group
www.cadeflaw.org
Thanks for sharing this letter and much LOVE to you and your family. We were more than happy to donate in "Aaron's" name for such a wonderful cause. It was a pleasure.
MJ Brookins, Cadeflaw Rep
St. Jude offers care to any child regardless of the ability of their family to pay for their care and this is exactly the kind of charity Michael particpated in as well.
Please count MJJJusticeproject in on the letter. It isn't that we are asking them to designate Michael's money to it ..it's just that we want to set up a collection in his name that the MjGlobal family can donate to.
Much love to you Andjustice .. Buds
Saint Jude is a great Place...this is another great place that a lot of people don't know about Deborah Heart and Lung and there Children of the World program. this hospital never gives you a bill..and has the latest of all equipment. I am a life member as was my motherThis is an article about Deborah! ...http://www.phillymag.com/health/articles/health_there_are_no_bills_at_this_hospital/
Count me in, Justice.
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