ANNOUNCEMENTS

In memory of Michael Stanley and the musical legacy he has left in Cleveland, we have partnered with the Cleveland Foundation to create "10,000 Watts of Holy Light". All of the funds raised and donated will go to a variety of Northeast Ohio organizations in need.

The 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund in partnership with The Cleveland Foundation was founded by the family of Michael Stanley to honor his commitment over his lifetime of giving back to the people of Northeastern Ohio.  It was always an integral part of Michael’s life to lend a hand to raise money for a variety of Cleveland charities.  With this in mind, our Mission is to shine a light on those NE Ohio charities that might not always be in the forefront of giving.  With our annual donations given on March 25, Michael’s birthday, we hope to illuminate and support several different charities and keep both the spirit of giving and the legacy of Michael Stanley alive and strong.

The fight against cancer was always in the forefront for Michael and this year we have donated to the Cleveland Chapter of the Karen Wellington Foundation. KWF is an anti-cancer, cancer foundation, whose mission is to create those little moments that happen in between cancer treatment and everyday life by giving those with breast cancer the opportunities to celebrate LIVING along the way. Check them out at: karenwellingtonfoundation.org.

Michael’s daughter, Anna Sary, experienced her own recent journey with cancer and felt strongly about supporting them.  “This wasn’t even an organization I knew about until my sister nominated me for one of their gifts of FUN. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and was heavy into my treatment when they hand-delivered my custom experience - tickets to a show and an overnight stay with my family in Cincinnati. It was a wonderful distraction and a powerful reminder that I have been surrounded by a HUGE circle of love and support, including an organization that helps those with breast cancer celebrate living by making wonderful memories along the way. Thank you so much KWF!”

Grace McConnell, Program Director at KWF said, “Thanks to this generous donation from the 10,000 Watts fund, Anna and her family are now on the giving end of KWF's Mission as they work to get more FUN on the calendars of women and families LIVING with breast cancer in the Cleveland area.” '

“Michael had a series of rescue dogs over his lifetime, several with disabilities.  His pack of Huskies, Pete the Wonder Dog, several West Coast transplants, Ted the King of the Couch, and last but not least, Stevie Ray Dog, who was by his side to the end.”  Michael was a great storyteller not only in his songs, but sitting in the kitchen relating the latest antics of his four-legged sidekicks,” says his sister Nancy Gee Oosterhoudt. We are proud to support the amazing work of the Secondhand Mutts. 

We felt that there could not be a better way to honor Cleveland’s diverse and varied music scene th anure they find loving forever homes and a fresh start. Operations Assistant, Kendra Spore said,"Secondhand Mutts is so grateful for this donation made in honor of Cleveland icon Michael Stanley. For a small, all-volunteer Cleveland rescue, this donation is HUGE! It will go a long way in helping to cover several months of vet and food bills for the dogs we bring into our rescue program. To paraphrase a classic Cleveland song: “This town taught [us] that it's never too late” to rescue a Secondhand Mutt." Check them out at: secondhandmutts.org

We felt that there could not be a better way to honor Cleveland’s diverse and varied music scene than to spotlight and donate to Music Through the Streets, which gets instruments into the hands and hearts of Cleveland children and sponsors the Annual Battle of the Bands Weekend Extravaganza every year.

“Music was Dad’s true love, so donating money to this organization was a very easy decision. My niece (Michael’s granddaughter) has continued his musical legacy by developing her singing skills at a music-based program in Strongsville. She has performed with other talented teens in various venues around the city, and we have enjoyed watching her grow as a vocalist/artist over the past few years. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore their musical talents,” says Michael’s other daughter, Sarah Sharp.

Donshon Wilson, Founder and Executive Director of Music Through the Streets, said, “We are very humbled that we were selected for such an award.  We will use these funds to continue to expose, assist, support and promote students' gifts and talents as it relates to performing arts.” Check them out at: musicthroughthestreets.com.

We hope that this year the recipients of our 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund donations will be able to shine a little brighter and continue to serve the people and animals of the city that Michael was so proud to call “My Town”.

For more information about how to support the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund, contact Jason

Weiner at 216-861-3810 or visit clevelandfoundation.org (give now) to donate directly.