Los Angeles (California), USA – Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy released a statement regarding Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on September 2, 2005.
“The Hurricane Katrina disaster has been devastating, profound and life altering
for its victims, their families, friends and the nation. This is the time when we must come together and take care of those who need our help. Therefore, The Recording Academy, the nonprofit organization that is the voice of thousands of music makers nationwide, along with its MusiCares Foundation, which provides a safety net of critical services for music people in crisis, is committing an initial donation of $1 million for music people affected by Hurricane Katrina.The MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund has been set up so these people in crisis can get help. Assistance includes basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, transportation; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills, medications; clothing; instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; school supplies for students; insurance payments and more.
Along with this donation, 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 helps us all heal. We encourage the industry and the
world to help in any way they can. To help music people affected by Hurricane
Katrina, log on to www.grammy.com/musicares.”
[MusiCares logo courtesy of MusiCares].
Links to relief organizations:
Episcopal Relief & Development.
Louisiana Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals.
gbgm-umc.org/umcor, United Methodist Committee
National Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disaster
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
national.unitedway.org, United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
