Manilow donates $500,000 for instruments

Desert Sun wire services • September 29, 2008

He may write the songs that make the whole world sing, but today Palm Springs resident Barry Manilow made a donation to encourage Coachella Valley students to learn more about music.

Manilow donated more than $500,000 in musical instruments to 20 middle and high schools throughout the valley.

The singer/songwriter -- best known for hits such as "Mandy" and "Copacabana" -- visited Palm Springs High School to announce the donations, which will benefit music programs in the Palm Springs, Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts.

Manilow told a crowd of teachers, school administrators and guests how his own life had been profoundly changed as a child when he was given a piano.

The donations were made through The Manilow Music Project, a nationwide effort to revitalize ailing music programs in schools.

Palm Springs High School Principal Ricky B. Wright said each school received anywhere from $15,000 to $18,000 worth of instruments, music, music stands and other items.

"It sure helps and it is a much needed contribution," Wright said. "For Mr. Manilow to do this is outstanding and it will not only help music programs here in the Coachella Valley but across the nation if everybody buys into it."

More information on the Manilow Music Project is available online at
www.manilowfund.org

Manilow among honorees at 2009 Steve Chase Awards

The 15th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its beneficiary, the Desert AIDS Project, Feb. 21 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.


A principal honoree will be Palm Springs resident Barry Manilow.

Tickets to the black tie event, one of the largest and most prestigious charity benefits in the Coachella Valley, are available now for $425 by calling 323.2118, ext. 266.

Honorees will receive silver anniversary awards in recognition of their time, energy and commitment to the HIV/AIDS fight.

Manilow is being recognized for his contributions to the Coachella Valley and beyond. His Manilow Fund for Health and Hope is a major sponsor of AIDS Walks in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It also has funded programs to raise money for school musical instruments, homeless youth and those afflicted with disease.

Dr. Anthony Fauci will receive the Silver Anniversary Science and Medicine Award. He is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Earlier this year, President Bush presented Fauci with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the U.S.’s highest civil award. He has helped explain how the AIDS virus destroys the body’s defenses and the mechanisms of induction of HIV expression. He also has been instrumental in developing therapy strategies.

Recipients of two other silver anniversary awards, and presenters and entertainers, are yet to be announced.

Jim Casey, president of Integrated Wealth Management, is co-chair of the ceremony with fund-raiser Barbara Keller. Integrated Wealth Management became a presenting sponsor by donating $150,000 to the event.

MORE INFORMATION: www.desertaidsproject.org and click on Steve Chase.

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880723027

3 Year Old Alabama Boy Has Pool Named in His Honor

KBJR-TV

One year ago, a three-year-old Alabama boy was told he couldn't swim in a pool because he was H-I-V positive. Now that same little boy is getting a pool in Minnesota named in his honor.

One year ago, a three-year-old Alabama boy was told he couldn't swim in a pool because he was H-I-V positive. Now that same little boy is getting a pool in Minnesota named in his honor. Caleb Glover gained national attention after the owners of an Alabama campground said he couldn't shower or swim there because of his diagnosis. The story caught the attention of One Heartland in Willow River, a camp that specializes in working with kids who have HIV and AIDS. Organizers there say once they heard of Glover's story, they knew they had to do something... So they built a new pool and named it after him. Neil Willenson, CEO and Founder of One Heartland says, "We all know that you cannot get HIV from being a friend, from swimming, from a hug, from a kiss, and that's why Caleb's here, he's going to be our first swimmer today, introducing the new Viking pool!" Today, Caleb got to see the pool named in his honor and be the first one to take a dip. The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope made it possible for Caleb's Alabama family to attend. Caleb's mother, Syvia Glover says he keeps her smiling, "and he gives me a reason to get up every morning, and I love it. I wish everybody had a Caleb in their life, so I'm the lucky one!" We'll have more on Caleb's Minnesota Camp experience coming up tomorrow night.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25448467/