The Jeremy Wilson Foundation’s big fundraiser and musical tribute The Next Waltz starts it’s annual three show run tonight Friday November 24th at the Alberta Rose Theatre. To kick off the fundraising component. Glenn Rubin, who has attended all six previous years, will be matching the first $1000.00 in donations raised this evening. Here’s what he wrote to JWF as to why he is donating and challenging others to as well:
When it comes to the Next Waltz shows, words almost fail me. Having been lucky enough to have experienced it every year from the first, I can honestly say it is always one of the high points of my year, not only musically, but emotionally. Not only because of the great artists and music of the original production, but the local sense of community and joy as the Portland production comes together each year. The fact that The Jeremy Wilson Foundation has tied this into such a vital need as emergency healthcare, is truly “icing on the cake”.
Music has been a spiritual and life-giving force to me throughout my life. As a very young child, I remember feeling some kind of groove as I watched and listened to steel drum calypso bands in the 50’s pre-reggae Jamaica. Later, even before my teen years, I spent hours picking out 45 RPM records from the likes of Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Link Wray. Fast forward to 1982, when I decided to move to Portland, one of the main reasons, beside the natural beauty of Oregon, was the exciting and varied music scene happening all over the city.
So it seems only right to do more than just buy tickets to concerts. To say the least, except for a very fortunate few, most musicians and their families are not knee deep in greenbacks. They often pursue their careers for the love of the music, spreading their artistic gifts to those of us consumers who don’t have that natural talent.
Having worked in the healthcare field for a good deal of my life, I’m especially aware of the importance of access to proper and timely medical resources. And in the current chaotic political and economic climate, that has become all but impossible for many of us. So all the more reason to applaud and support efforts like the Jeremy Wilson Foundation to provide healthcare and moral support to folks in our local music community.
Thanks, JWF, and everyone else involved, for such a wonderful and transcendent post-Thanksgiving celebration. Keep it going!
With much gratitude,
Glenn
WAYS TO DONATE
Make a one time donation
Or choose to make it recurring
From your smartphone or computer
using your credit card at
www.thejwf.org
In person at the volunteer booth
Cash/Check/Visa
Mail checks or money orders made to
Jeremy Wilson Foundation
1028 SE Water Ave STE 230
Portland, OR 97214
SHOP & SUPPORT
If you shop Amazon through www.smile.amazon.com/ch/80-0605662 the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to JWF (look into the AmazonSmile program and link JWF as your charity.)
You are now able to link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to your favorite nonprofit. Go to www.fredmeyer.com/account/communityrewards/enroll and re-enroll or enroll and enter the Fred Meyer Code for JWF = 90394