MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund

Press release
Source: Rogers & Cowan

--The Recording Academy and MusiCares committed an initial donation of $1 million to help musicians affected by the Hurricane and monies already are being distributed to musicians who need our help now. Continued pledges of support can be made at: www.grammy.com/musicares.

--Academy/MusiCares efforts have already distributed funds which are typically being received in less than one week and have covered the most immediate and basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, prescriptions and school supplies.

--Academy/MusiCares efforts are helping music people replace their instruments and gear to help them take their first steps back to making a living.

--With continued successful fundraising efforts, the Academy/MusiCares is developing plans to fund a second phase of assistance for people as they begin to put their lives back together and require help with relocation costs, security deposits, furniture, transportation needs, and counseling services.

--Each of The Academy's 12 regional Chapters will designate local programming that will continue the fundraising efforts to help the thousands of music people whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by these tragic events. The Recording Academy, The Latin Recording Academy, MusiCares Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation also have created a matching fund with their employees to help ensure that music continues to be the thread that brings people together and help the healing.

"It is inspiring and gratifying to witness the generosity of spirit, support and resources that the music community has poured out in response to this tragedy. We are immensely proud to be the music industry's "charity of choice" during this sobering moment and will continue to work to earn its ongoing support." - Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy.

"The undeniable healing power of music underscores the urgency for MusiCares to help the music community of the Gulf Coast, including access to instruments. It is critical for us to ensure that they are able to regain not only their livelihoods, but their life lines." - Les Bider, chairman of the MusiCares Foundation.

MusiCares and The Recording Academy have established the MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund, a $1 Million dollar commitment of charitable funds to be distributed to musicians and other music industry people directly affected by this disaster.

Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares has been helping people across the country cope with personal, medical and financial hardships. MusiCares provides totally confidential crisis intervention, health care referrals and financial assistance. MusiCares' confidential and caring approach allows those in need to seek help with dignity and confidence.

How the Music Community is Coming Together to Help:

Tuesday, September 20: "From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, NYC's Concert for the Gulf Coast" (Madison Square Garden) featuring live performances by: Elvis Costello, Fats Domino, Elton John, Diana Krall, Bette Midler, Simon & Garfunkel, and many more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund. For tickets, contact Ticketmaster at 212.307.7171.

Wednesday, September 14, 8 p.m. ET/PT: VH1 aired the feature-length documentary "Make It Funky" during which PSAs for MusiCares Hurricane Relief Efforts played, driving people to www.grammy.com/musicares.

--Concord and Rounder Records are producing compilation CDs with a portion of the proceeds coming to MusiCares.

--The EMI Group is sponsoring an employee giving campaign, which they will match dollar for dollar, with a portion of proceeds benefiting MusiCares.