ROXBURY (May 24, 2006): In recognition of Horizons for Homeless Children’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of homeless children and families across Massachusetts, Pearl Jam’s Vitalogy Foundation has donated $1/paid ticket from the band’s May 24th concert in Boston to the organization. This donation was made possible by Pearl Jam’s agreement to contribute a portion of its ticket sales to the Vitalogy Foundation in support of local charities.
Pearl Jam performed on May 24th at Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden with special guests My Morning Jacket. Proceeds from the May 24th show will assist Horizons for Homeless Children in their efforts to provide quality care and early education to homeless children each week and parent support services to their families. Founded in 1988 as an independent, non-profit organization, Horizons for Homeless Children (HHC) is dedicated to serving homeless children and their families. Horizons for Homeless Children is a leader in Massachusetts and the nation in providing care for young children whose lives have been shattered by homelessness.
Each year, approximately 1.35 million children are homeless in this country. In Massachusetts, 20,000 children will be homeless this year. More than half of these children are under the age of six. Both in Massachusetts and nationally, Horizons for Homeless Children provides leadership to other shelters, early education professionals, advocates for children, and legislative decision makers to forge real change in the lives of young homeless children.
“This generous donation from Pearl Jam will be earmarked for the provision of quality direct care and early education services through Horizons for Homeless Children’s Community Children’s Centers and Playspace Programs to over 2,000 homeless children and their families across the state of Massachusetts,” said Horizons for Homeless Children’s Executive Director Sue Heilman. “It will also greatly assist the organization’s growing training and advocacy efforts at local, state and national levels.”
In addition to this wonderful donation, it was also just announced that this gift would be matched dollar for dollar by “A Foundation to be Named Later”, a foundation established by Red Sox Executive Vice President / General Manager Theo Epstein and his twin brother, Paul, to benefit Horizons for Homeless Children and seven other nonprofit organizations that support community programs focusing on at-risk, underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Thanks to their help, Horizons for Homeless Children can continue to provide quality programs and services to homeless children and families across Massachusetts.
175 children participate in high-quality childcare at HHC’s three Community Children’s Centers in Boston and dramatically improve their physical, social, behavioral, and pre-academic skills. HHC also provides parent support services for their families. The organization has created 120 Playspaces (educational and recreational spaces) in family shelters throughout Massachusetts. It recruits and trains community members to become volunteer Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), working with the children living in the shelters. Currently there are 800 PALs each week interacting with 1,200 homeless children in shelters.
For more information on Pearl Jam or their upcoming tour, please go to
http://www.pearljam.com
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Pearl Jam Guitarist
Stone Gossard and
Executive Director
Sue Heilman backstage
at the TD Banknorth
Garden, 5/24.
Theo Epstein and Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament on a site tour to a Horizons for Homeless Children's Community Children's Center, 5/26.
Nicole Vandenberg, Vandenberg Communications, Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and Theo Epstein learn more about HHH's programs, 5/26.
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