Sarah’s Charity Work 2006

The Spirit of Life Award

October 5th 2006
Pacific Design Center (Los Angeles, CA)
City of Hope’s most prestigious honor, The Spirit of Life ® Award, is presented by the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute to community leaders who have made a significant commitment to those in need. It is at the Spirit of Life gala dinner, held in honor of the recipient, that the honoree’s commitment to the humanitarian goals espoused by City of Hope are recognized and celebrated. Spirit of Life Award honorees are selected for their notable contributions to the community in which they live and the profession in which they work. Recognition as a high achiever and leader are central principles of the fund-raising campaign leading to the presentation of the award.

The award itself is eloquently expressed in a sculpture of a man, woman and child. It is modeled after the Spirit of Life bronze sculpture by Robert I. Russin that sits atop a magnificent fountain, gracing the entrance to the City of Hope campus in Duarte, California (near Los Angeles). The figures symbolize City of Hope’s belief in the fundamental role of the family in fostering health and well-being. The essence of the award encompasses our founding ideology: Improving the quality of life for people all over the world.
As a recipient of The Spirit of Life Award, each honoree becomes part of the distinguished circle of past award recipients. These individuals have helped City of Hope build on its reputation of giving — a tradition of looking beyond self to help those in greater need.
Official website : cityofhope.com

Uganda Rising

June 2nd 2006
For two decades, the Acholi people of Northern Uganda have been caught in a civil war between a rebel group whose main objective is inhumane terror and a government whose military response has often increased misery and suffering. Over one and a half million people have been displaced into camps and over 25,000 children have been abducted to be used as soldiers and sex slaves.

And yet through it all, every day across Acholi-land something remarkable happens. Against a backdrop of dismal statistics, miniscule opportunity and unpredictable terror, in a part of Uganda forgotten by the world, children who have never known peace, face the day as if to live this way is normal, as if they still believe in the future. These children are the embodiment of resilience and hope. This film is the story of Uganda, her stolen children, and the fight to be free.

Pop star Sarah McLachlan and jazz crooner Diana Krall turned up at the packed premiere of a locally produced and directed film called Uganda Rising, which spotlights the plight of children trying to survive civil war in the stricken region.
Official website : ugandarising.com

Gulu Walk

Sarah McLachlan, three-time Grammy award winner and music legend, has signed up in support of GuluWalk 2006 and is number 560. “I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn about what is happening to the children of northern Uganda,” said McLachlan. “GuluWalk is shining a much needed light on their struggles, offering us all a way to give hope to the innocent children there. I urge everyone who can, to please sign up. Together, we can make a difference.”
Official website: guluwalk.com

Reason For Hope Gala

August 12th 2006
The Jane Goodall Institute is engaged in pioneering research in chimpanzee behavior – research which has transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. The Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees in their habitats. It is also widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and the Roots & Shoots education program, which has groups in more than 95 countries. This amazing and great lady was in East Hampton last weekend, hosting the Jane Goodall Institute’s “Reason For Hope” gala along with co-hosts Sheri and Howard Schultz and Candice Bergen and Marshall Rose. Grammy Award winner Sarah McLachlan gave a special performance for the guests. Sarah McLachlan performed for the 270 guests, who took home a goody-bag filled with Starbucks Coffee and a copy of Ms. Goodall’s book “Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey” Warner.
Official website: janegoodall.org

Breast Cancer Fundraisers 2006

You can visit www.cashmere.ca to purchase a CD featuring contemporary tunes from artists like Aretha Franklin and Sarah McLachlan — $2 from every CD purchase will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. You can also get a CD with two proofs of purchase of specially marked Cashmere and Scotties products and the same donation will be made.

Also, the voice of Canada’s Sarah McLachlan filled the rain soaked tent at Surrey’s Northview Golf and Country Club the evening of May the 6th at a black tie fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society’s An Evening to Remember Gala.

Sarah performed for the fundraiser to help with the cause to fight the disease that took her own mother’s life four years ago. The performer had a teary moment when speaking of being there to perform in honour of her mother, and all those who are affected by cancer. The audience clearly agreed, we have all been touched by cancer, and that is why we were all there.A very relaxed performer, appreciative of her fans and supporters of the cause, she was able to help raise approximately $400,000.00 that will go towards funding research, providing support services for patients like volunteer drivers, or their Cancer Information Service, and carry on their mission to eradicate cancer.

Private Concert

May 6th 2006
Sarah McLachlan performs a one-night only private concert at Surrey’s Northview Golf and Country Club to help the Canadian Cancer Society raise funds for cancer research and community- based support programs. It was on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 5:10 – 5:30.

Bill Clinton fundraising ball

September 9th 2006
Former President Bill Clinton knows how to champion a good cause — and he knows how to stretch out a party, too. He’s combining the two talents for his 60th birthday celebration, which will feature a fundraising performance by The Rolling Stones at New York’s famed Beacon Theatre on October 29. Clinton’s actual birthday is August 19.

“President Clinton has dedicated his life to public service and his 60th birthday celebration will be no different,” said Clinton spokesman Jay Carson. “All of the funds from these events will go to support his foundation and its work around the world.” The Stones will be accompanied by film director and music aficionado Martin Scorsese, who will be documenting the gala. The band probably won’t be drawing up their set list for awhile, but it’s hard to imagine a friendlier audience for their Bush administration-bashing tune “Sweet Neo Con.” Prior to the birthday party, the Stones will kick off the American leg of their world tour in September; Van Morrison and Dave Matthews Band are set as openers in select cities. Canada is also jumping on the Clinton celebration train, with a pricey fundraising ball in Toronto on September 9. Billy Crystal, Sarah McLachlan, Tim McGraw and Lenny Kravitz are scheduled to perform. The William J. Clinton Foundation is focused on global interdependence, with programs designed to address four specific areas of need: health security, economic empowerment, leadership development, and racial, ethnic and religious tolerance.

British Columbia’s SPCA

Sarah made a trailer to encourage people to make donations to the SPCA of British Columbia. The song Angel was used as a background music. “Will you be an angel for a helpless animal? Everyday, innocent animals are abused, beaten and neglected. Right now there’s an animal who’s suffering – an animal who needs you”.
Official website: http://www.joinbcspca.ca

Grand Slam for Children (Benefit Concert)

October 7th 2006
Founded in 1994 by professional tennis player Andre Agassi, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk children in Southern Nevada.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported more than 20 organizations and raised more than $60 million for programs designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities. Because all of the Foundation’s operating costs are underwritten, every penny raised goes directly towards improving the lives of at-risk youth.

“I have been very blessed and had many opportunities available to me,” said Agassi. “Children today face so many obstacles. If I can make a positive impact on at least one child’s life, then it has all been worthwhile.”
In a city already known for big-name entertainment, the Grand Slam for Children® takes center stage by presenting a star-studded evening at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Since 1995, this event has raised more than $52 million, and every penny goes directly to benefit underprivileged, abused or at-risk children in the Las Vegas community. All expenses are underwritten so that the maximum amount of funds can go towards local educational and recreational programs aimed to change the lives of these children. The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) has assembled another superstar line-up of entertainers for an unforgettable evening of music and other entertainment to benefit Las Vegas at-risk youth. Counting Crows, Sarah McLachlan and legendary rocker Phil Collins are just a few of the stars who will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster will return for his 11th year as musical director.
Official website: agassifoundation.org

XVI International AIDS Conference

August 10th 2006
In advance of the XVI International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2006) which is being held in Toronto from August 13 – 18, business leaders, thought leaders, journalists and celebrities will come together at a special event, hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto, to celebrate innovation in fighting the global AIDS pandemic. Dr. James Orbinski, the President of Dignitas International and former International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors Without Borders), will be the featured speaker. Dr. Orbinski accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of MSF in 1999. Internationally recognized Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan will give a performance following Dr. Orbinski’s speech. Dignitas International is a pioneering medical humanitarian organization working with communities to dramatically increase access to life-saving treatment and prevention in areas overwhelmed by HIV/AIDS. Evening Celebration – Harnessing the Power of Community to Fight AIDS
Musical Guests : Sarah McLachlan and Ugandan-born Achilla Orru
Official website: aids2006.org

Oprah Winfrey Show

May 17th 2006
Grammy-winning singer Sarah McLachlan performs her socially conscious song, “World on Fire,” from the CD Afterglow. After brainstorming different ideas for the music video, Sarah says her director approached her with a groundbreaking idea. Instead of the usual $150,000 or more that it takes to produce a music video, Sarah created the entire “World on Fire” video herself for just $15. Then, she spent the left over money to help more than 1 million women and children around the world. In the video, Sarah spells out exactly how the donated money was spent. See the groundbreaking video at www.worldonfire.ca.

Vancouver General Hospital

April 23rd 2006
Participation to a benefit concert in Vancouver, British Columbia. The benefit was to raise money for the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundations’ research into blood related cancers. A “made in B.C. ” cure for blood-related cancers is one step closer at Vancouver General Hospital. Record funds were raised at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s April 23 black tie charity gala, “An Evening with Diana Krall & Friends.” Diana Krall, whose mother was treated at VGH for multiple myeloma between 1998 and 2002, hosted her sixth charity benefit in support of the VGH Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. She was joined by her husband, Elvis Costello, and some of the world’s most noted performers, including Tony Bennett, Elton John, and Sarah McLachlan. Former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, gave a key note address. Collectively, the Diana Krall benefits have raised more than $3.8 million – helping to purchase the latest, most advanced medical equipment, to support patient comfort needs, to assist out-of-town leukemia/bone marrow transplant patients, and this year to fund pioneering research at VGH for multiple myeloma and other blood-related cancers.

Evening By The Sea

Summer 2006
Players arrived at the Cannery Seafood Restaurant to meet invited Friends of the Steve Nash Foundation for an Evening By the Sea, and what an evening it was. With the Cannery’s delectable menu, a harbour seal rolling in the ocean outside, and the company of our friends (old and new), the night couldn’t have been a warmer beginning to the weekend’s activities. The silent auction opened at 7:30p.m. and the bidding schemes began to leave with, among other items, exquisite jewelry by Roxy’s local designer Chantale Walker; a custom-designed limited edition Steve Nash Foundation Charity Classic K2 snowboard; a box suite for six at a Canucks game; a box suite for sixteen at Elton John’s sold-out September concert; a weekend (if you can get through it) at Whistler’s exclusive Bearfoot Bistro MasqueRave; autographed sports memorabilia and equipment; original artwork; and one giant Wheaties box with you-know-who on the front. When the silent auction closed, the Evening’s emcee, Jay Triano, gathered everyone under a softly lit canopy beside the restaurant for the Evening’s true delight: a private concert by Sarah McLachlan.
Video: http://www.stevenash.org/html/ebs_night.html
Official website : http://www.stevenash.org/html/events.html

Firefighters Fund

September 24th 2006
Beginning July 28, 2006 at 12 a.m. (MST) firefighter and musical enthusiasts can go online to www.thefirefightersfund.cmarket.comand begin bidding on these items collected by The Firefighters Fund volunteers over the last 4 years. The on line auction will end September 24, 2006 at 6 p.m. (MST).
Framed T-shirts signed by: Robert Randolph, Primus, Sarah McLachlan (A green Firefigthter Fund t-shirt signed by Sarah Mclachlan on7/20/04 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado)
Official website: thefirefightersfund.com

Between The Covers

September 19th 2006
An all-star lineup of contemporary musicians are slipping Between The Covers for the release of a benefit album, a compilation of cover versions of some of the greatest songs of this generation. Proceeds from the album will go to benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation, which supports cancer, leukemia, and AIDS research. The album, entitled Between The Covers, features something for everyone. Selections include Sheryl Crow’s hit rendition of “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” Alicia Keys’ take on “If I Was Your Woman/Walk On By,” Eric Clapton’s unforgettable unplugged version of “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” the Dixie Chicks’ stirring version of “Landslide,” Madonna’s hit remake of “American Pie,” Norah Jones’ cover of “Cold, Cold Heart,” Sarah McLachlan’s moving take on “Ol’ 55,” and Lenny Kravitz’ rockin’ version of “American Woman.” The album will also feature David Bowie and Mick Jagger, as well as The Bacon Brothers (actor/director Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael) performing their rendition of the Beatles’ “If I Needed Someone,” which they recorded just for this project. The Bacon Brothers will also host a half-hour special about the project that will air on the VH1 and Logo networks.
Official website: betweenthecovers.org / TJ Martell Foundation

Superman Tags

Christopher Reeve redefined courage and hope. His strength, determination, and compassion inspired the world. He was our hero. Today, the Christopher Reeve Foundation proudly introduces the CRF Superman Tag. This special offer is your opportunity to pay personal tribute to Christopher Reeve’s incredible legacy. By wearing the CRF Superman Tag, you believe that Christopher’s vision will Go Forward. The Christopher Reeve Foundation Superman Tags can be worn around the neck on a chain, or clipped onto gear, sports equipment, purses, or book bags. All proceeds from the sale of the Superman Tags go to the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Purchase the Superman Tag to show your support of Christopher Reeve’s vision and the mission of his Foundation.
Official website: supermantag.com