A recent news story shared ideas for gift giving this holiday season that veered from the usual sweaters, ties and games. In thinking outside the box, “giving happiness this holiday season can create memories that have a lasting affect”. Some suggestions were cooking and freezing meals for an elderly neighbor; babysitting for a couple who seldom have alone time; tickets to a show or museum or perhaps paying for a class a friend has longed to take, but couldn’t budget for.
Of course Barry Manilow came to mind in the way he continues to give the gift of instruments to students in public schools and how his music is the catalyst for memories we often aren’t even aware of.
Two examples came to view; a gift Barry Manilow is giving and one where Barry’s show is the gift, both given with no hoopla and little attention.
Beginning with his show this Friday and continuing through his shows in December, Barry Manilow will give high school and middle school choirs in the Clark County School District a thrill of a lifetime by inviting them to perform with him on stage at the Paris in Las Vegas. As you know Clark County school music programs were recent recipients of half a million dollars in instruments via the ‘Manilow Music Project’.
In a press release on Manilow.com Superintendent Walt Rulffes stated “The incredible generosity of Barry Manilow will make a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of children. Our district is fortunate to have his talents, time and philanthropy at work for our children. This is an exciting opportunity for our students, and I look forward to their performances”.
There is no doubt these kids will not only have an opportunity of a lifetime, but a beautiful memory they’ll never forget. Members of the Palm Springs High School band who performed with Barry at the McCallum last December during his ‘Gift of Love’ concerts benefiting charities in the Coachella Valley still talk about what the experience meant to them. A mom whose daughter played the Oboe at the show shared with me what a remarkable and gentle man Barry is. She beamed telling me how he took the time to interact and encourage the children. This family has since traveled to Vegas to see Barry’s show and loved every moment.
I’m even happier to be attending the show on Saturday night. My son now wishes we lived in Las Vegas so “he could be a member of one of those choirs” and has reiterated his request to attend “Mr. Manilow’s show before December is over”. Of course it’s a request I will happily say yes to!
In an example of how Barry Manilow is the gift, tonight by way of the Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime non-profit organzation, a 78 year old Manilow fan from Gilbert AZ will have her dream of seeing a Las Vegas show come true. It will be Barry’s as he is her favorite singer. Traveling often through Las Vegas with her husband - who passed away in May - this lady who is nearly blind, sadly her husband was her eyes, often wished they had the money to see a show. She’s hoping Barry will be singing two of her favorites “Mandy” and “Looks Like We Made It”.
Through his music and generosity Barry creates memories throughout the year that last a lifetime, but they shine just a little brighter at this time of year.