After being gone for about 2 weeks, I have a new perspective coming back to the MJJ community. As many of you know, my son passed away on February 14. Some friends and MJ fans set up a St. Jude's tribute page, and within 36 hours, over $1500 had been donated to St. Jude's in Aaron's memory. I'm fairly sure this was Ivy's concept, because she mentioned to me this idea before Aaron died, as an Estate authorized charity.
When I returned from the funeral, I emailed the Estate and showed them what MJ fans had donated in Aaron's memory. The online team stated that it was very nice, but that a MJ St. Jude's donation page would have to be approved by both St. Jude's and it would need court approval as well.
I emailed back, and told them I understood that there was red tape, but that there would be in all probability, and endless amount of donations to St. Jude's if fans could donate in Michael's memory. Of course, the Estate is accutely aware that Michael placed a huge importance on children, especially sick children.
I am under the impression that John Branca is willing to work with the fan base, although that was not communicated to me by the online team. My impression is because when the fan base has been in an uproar (think Discovery's autopsy show), the executors have stepped in and interceded.
This could be a unifying effort for the Michael Jackson fan base. In addition, it could greatly reduce the amount of fraud that has occurred with regard to donations to Michael Jackson projects. Instead of Michael's advocates being bogged down in informational blogs which warn his fans against fraud, we could be moving in the direction in which he would want us to. Think of how many children we could help, and with the reassurance that the money is donated DIRECTLY to St. Jude's in Michael Jackson's memory.
So with that, please pass the blog on to any sites you are aware of, and ask them if they would be willing to sign a letter to the Estate asking for an AUTHORIZED charity. I will have a letter up either tonight or tomorrow. Please leave your site, club or name in the comments below. Remember folks, Michael told us it's all for L.O.V.E., and that's what we all aim to do. Ignore the hate, remember the L.O.V.E. of Michael Jackson.
