On Wednesday, the Michael Jackson Estate announced it would donate a generous sum of $300,000 to organizations currently supporting those impacted by the Coronavirus. The ongoing pandemic has produced both health and financial challenges for thousands of Americans and Jackson’s estate intends to offer relief through three selected organizations.
The donation will be split evenly between Broadway Cares, Southern Nevada’s Three Square Food Bank and MusicCares.
“This virus strikes at the heart of the communities we are close to,” estate Co-Executors John Branca and John McClain told Variety. “We learned today that the legendary Manu Dibango (a key influence on Jackson’s hit ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’) passed away from the virus. Other performers and support staff in music and on Broadway are sick or have been left without work and are facing an uncertain future.”
“And in Las Vegas, which has been so welcoming to Michael Jackson, the entire city has been shut down leaving thousands of workers and their families devastated and without an income,” Branca and McClain continued. “Michael’s spirit of generosity and helping others during his lifetime is legendary. These donations are inspired by him.”
Through the Three Square Food Bank, Jackson’s estate’s donation will reportedly provide 300,000 meals to those affected by the pandemic in Las Vegas.
“Before the pandemic, one in eight Southern Nevadans lived in a food-insecure household and that number will increase exponentially with the displacement of thousands of workers in our community,” Three Square Good Bank Chief Development Officer Michelle Beck told Variety. “Thank you to the estate of Michael Jackson for stepping up to help children, families, veterans and senior citizens who may need help now more than ever.”
In New York, the Broadway Cares donation will add on to over 20 Broadway producers’ efforts, who have reportedly been matching up to $1 million in donations for the nonprofit.
“With every passing day that theaters remain dark, entertainment and performing arts professionals face unprecedented and immediate challenges,” Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola told Variety. “This incredibly generous donation from the Michael Jackson Estate will help ensure those onstage, backstage and behind the scenes get lifesaving health care, emergency financial assistance and counseling during and after this crisis.”
The donation from the Michael Jackson Estate follows charitable efforts from the likes of Ciara, Kanye West, Kodak Black and more amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.