NEWS
RELEASE
Monday, Sept. 17, 2001
From: The Michael Bolton Charities
P.O. Box 936, Branford, CT 06405
Rubenstein Associates, Inc.
Contact: Jim Grossman (212) 843-8085
MICHAEL BOLTON CHARITIES AND VICTORINOX-SWISS ARMY KNIFE FOUNDATION PLEDGE $135,000 TO WIDOWS AND CHILDREN'S FUNDS OF NEW YORK CITY POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS
The events - which were scheduled for September 23 and 24 -- have already raised a minimum of $135,000, because Victorinox-Swiss Army Knife Foundation, the major sponsor, and a number of other generous sponsors have agreed to allow The Michael Bolton Charities to earmark their contributions towards helping these families.
"In light of the national tragedy," Bolton said, "I felt the right thing to do is help the families of these heroic victims. I am confident that we will exceed our pledge of $135,000, because Victorinox- Swiss Army Foundation and our other big sponsors have set an example that our hundreds of other donors will follow," Bolton said.
Other major sponsors include Broadcast Music, Inc., David Sack-The Sack Group, 3M, Epstein, Levensohn, Bodine, Hurwitz and Weinstein, LLP, Louis Levin Management, TUNDRA, Flowers USA Alliance Limousine and The Stamford Marriott. The Michael Bolton Charities will give individuals who have purchased tickets the opportunity to permit the organization to keep those donations, as well, so they can be given to the families of police and firefighters lost in the terrorist destruction of the World Trade Center.
The Michael Bolton Charities was started in 1993 and was formerly called The Michael Bolton Foundation. The organization provides assistance, through local and national charities and "safe house" shelters, to children and women at risk from poverty, as well as from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Connecticut Governor and Mrs. John G. Rowland and Francis W. Preston, President/CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc., were to be honored at this year's gala, at the Stamford Marriott, for their strong efforts on behalf of women and children.
"As grateful as I am, it doesn't surprise me that our sponsors and many, many generous supporters have shown their willingness to focus an unquestionable and unparalleled compassion towards the families who are now and forever victims of this tragedy." Bolton said.
"I am currently touring the United States," Bolton added, "and continue to bear witness to America's strength and resolve as I have never seen or known in my lifetime. We will show the world we will pass this test."
