Hey there,
I've received several emails and messages about the plans for this year's World AIDS Day Concert...and now the BWW post has finally appeared - this is what I've posted on my journal and sent to some of the people who've been involved in past years...so here goes:
So here it is...This has been an extraordinary year for me personally. I've had the opportunity to spend about 7 weeks in Africa with the United Nations Association HERO Campaign and upon returning from that, I continued on as Camp Director for Camp TLC (the organization which the World AIDS Day Concerts raise money for) for the second year. Because of that, I've had to make several adjustments in my personal life to accomodate this work.
The World AIDS Day Concert is something that has been a full-time (non-paying) job for me for the past four years. So partially because of all the time I've spent out of the country this year and partially because of the amount of work that needs to be done to make the concert happen (which usually starts in May), we won't be able to do a World AIDS Day Concert this year.
Additionally, it was also discovered that for the amount of work that goes into producing a concert of this magnitude, it is a risky venture as to how much actual money it can raise for the beneficiary. So since I've joined the board of the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation, we've decided to try some other avenues of fundraising, since it has been a difficult year as far as sponsorships and grants go for AIDS organizations.
But I hope to find a way to make the concerts work a little more cost-effectively. I believe they are more than just a fun, exciting night in the theatre. And I believe they bring far more than just some cash for the beneficiary. I believe they provide a sense of community and help people realize that they can always do more to help others. Even if they, themselves don't have much.
So with all that being said, I do hope the concerts continue in future years, but for 2007 at least, unfortunately, I have to take a step back. In the meantime however, feel free to send your friends and family members to www.jdaf.org to become members or make one-time contributions to this amazing and worthwhile organization. Thank you again for all you've done in the past to make these concerts such exciting events!
Love, Jamie
PS-With all that being said, The Broadway Loves the 80s Vol 2 Concert happening on November 12th at Joe's Pub will also be benefiting JDAF, so please come and show your support for that.
"There is nothing scary about life, if you are not attached to the results." - Conversations With God
