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.

On the anniversary of Michael’s 78th birthday, we want to send a special THANK YOU for the generous donation to the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund from all the Cleveland musicians who participated in a night of music last October at the Beachland Ballroom. The Friends and Legends Take the Time Benefit was an evening filled with Michael’s music, both original and covers by local rockers celebrating Cleveland’s continued stand as the Heartland of  Rock and Roll. We’d also like to thank all the friends, family and fans who donated to 10,000 Watts this year!

As we follow our mission of honoring Michael’s commitment to supporting the charities and people of Northeastern Ohio, we want to shine a spotlight on the following charities: Crisis Canine Corps., Center for Arts Inspired Learning, ACLU of Ohio and A Special Wish Foundation.

CRISIS CANINE CORPS.

“This gift from the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund will help us continue to provide important services throughout our community. Last year Bay Village HS had a tragic incident where they unfortunately lost a lacrosse player. The school asked if I was able to bring some therapy dogs to school that morning to support the students and faculty as well, while they delivered this terrible news.  I was able to have 6 canine teams at the school by 8:30am that same morning as well as the next day.  Just a few days later, there was a shooting in the library in Shaker Heights and we had dogs at both the school as well as the library for several days after.

We also do fun local, community awareness and mental health fairs to support our local communities, such as the "Fight for Air" lung cancer stair climb event, safety fairs, shop-with-a-cop and many other events.  With this generous donation, we are able to continue providing essential services, bringing comfort, calm and care to those when it matters most.  Thank you so much!”

-Shirley Graziano, President/CEO

CENTER FOR ARTS INSPIRED LEARNING

“We are incredibly grateful to the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund and Michael Stanley’s family for this meaningful investment in young musicians. Through CAL’s Inspiration Through Music programming and Play It Forward!® Cleveland instrument drive, this gift will place instruments directly into the hands of youth in grades 3–12, many for the very first time, at no cost to them or their families. It also supports stipends for our professional teaching artists, ensuring participants learn from working musicians who bring both skill and inspiration into the classroom. In celebrating Michael’s birthday, this support carries forward his creative spirit by opening doors for young people to begin and sustain their musical journey with confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

-Emma Parker, Chief Executive Officer

ACLU OF OHIO

“The ACLU of Ohio is tremendously honored to be chosen as a 2026 grant recipient from the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund, as together we lift and remember the legacy of the Cleveland rock musician and broadcaster Michael Stanley on his birthday. For decades, as a celebrated performer and the region's afternoon-drive disc jockey, Michael Stanley and his band embodied the spirit of rock and roll music that Cleveland is most famous for, as he legendarily served as one of our city's greatest musical ambassadors. As a 106-year-old organization uniquely committed to all freedoms of expression, the ACLU of Ohio will use this generous gift to further our work to protect the First Amendment, which is under great and constant assault, most especially now. We will honor the family's loving investment in our civil liberties advocacy with diligence and persistence, and with grateful hearts.”

-J. Bennett Guess, Executive Director

A SPECIAL WISH FOUNDATION, INC.

“A Special Wish Foundation is deeply grateful for the generosity of the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund. This meaningful gift allows us to continue creating special memories for local children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. In the midst of unimaginable challenges, a wish offers hope, strength, and time together that families will cherish forever. We are honored to carry forward Michael Stanley’s legacy by helping bring light and happiness to those who need it most.”

-Rachel Kuhn, Assistant Executive Director

Michael’s commitment to Cleveland was strong and we are pleased to be able to continue to contribute on his behalf to this year’s remarkable recipients. Please consider 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund in your 2026 giving, which will help us continue to “Take the Time” to spotlight on bringing some love, joy and music to his town and ours - Cleveland.

Anna Sary, Sarah Sharp, Nan Oosterhoudt
10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund 

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.