Giving Back this Holiday Season: Do It For The Love Foundation
“I wanted to pass along the name of a group that I have been supporting the last few years. Michael Franti and his wife started the Do it for the Love Foundation in 2013 to provide live music experiences for people who are sick, veterans, and children facing all kinds of challenges. The list of musicians who have participated is really overwhelming as are the wish grant stories.
I personally started donating in memory of my Dad after he passed away. My parents took my sister and I to see our first concert (way too) many years ago and seeing live music together is still our favorite sister thing to do. And Michael Franti happens to be on our must list every time he comes to town.”
– Amy
Thank you Amy, for sharing this awesome organization! Do It For The Love is a 501(c)(3) non-profit wish-granting organization that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans to live concerts. Since 2013, they have made over 700 wish grants come true.
I’ve told parts of this story before, but music changed my life. In high school, I was really into music. It defined me, my style, my friends, my everything. When I was happy, when I was sad, when I was angry, there was a song that helped me clarify my feelings, a soundtrack for my life that helped me get through. But when I went off to college, I became disconnected from music. It was something to dance to drunkenly at a bar or sorority formal, but it wasn’t a part of me. At my last job, I downloaded iTunes and a coworker suggested a few new artists to check out. But music really became a part of who I am again in 2006 when my husband bought his friend a My Morning Jacket DVD. He bought it because our friend was a guitarist and this was a band new to him. The friend wasn’t too impressed with the music; I watched that DVD and was transformed. Thanks to learning about My Morning Jacket, I found out about the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee and that following summer we attended. My Morning Jacket didn’t perform, but Michael Franti did.
At Bonnaroo, I saw the power of music. Over 80,000 people from across the globe together, in general, in peace, all for the same love – music. I saw folks of all ages, all cultures, all abilities laughing and dancing together. Helping one another. Loving one another. We had no electricity, running water, or even trees to shade our tents but there was an impressive amount of love, patience, community, and joy. When Amy reached out and told me about this charity, I HAD to share with you all. Music can seem trivial, but music is in the core of all of us, and it can bring light, strength, and love in in times of strife.
Through the Do It For Love site, you can nominate someone (you, or another) who could use the gift of live music. They provide wishes to adults and children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, disabilities, or living with intense family trauma; and veterans wounded in the line of duty (including PTSD). Do It For Love Foundation provides up to four tickets to the live music experience the nominee wishes to attend in the US and Canada, reimburse ground transportation, arrange and pay for overnight accommodations.
The stories are inspiring and the list of artists who have been a part of this charity is awesome. Click this link to read about some of the individuals who have experienced a life-changing music event thanks to Do It for Love.
To support Do It For Love Foundation, you can do it a variety of ways. Donations are always welcome, and can be tribute gifts in honor or memory of a loved one. They have tips on how to hold a fundraiser for their organization – a great cause for a school orchestra or church choir. They are always looking for in-person and social media volunteers and have an easy sign-up form. You can be part of one of their upcoming events, purchase merchandise from their store, or even buy their wine. Each month I donate a portion of the proceeds to a charity; this month the proceeds from Wardrobe Oxygen will be going to the Do It For Love Foundation.
Each Sunday through the holidays I’m sharing an organization that is close to my heart and could use your support. ‘Tis the season for giving and a time for sharing, it’s a time to care for those who need your help, and a time to make a positive difference. If you have an organization you feel should be featured don’t hesitate to contact me!
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