Michael Bolton is known for many things — award-winning singer/songwriter/collaborator, actor, producer and tabloid fodder due to his relationship with “Desperate Housewives” star Nicolette Sheridan (he’s her former fiancée).
But what many aren’t aware of is Bolton’s philanthropy.
When Detroit was staggering from its dramatic economic downturn, he directed “American Dream: Detroit” featuring interviews with CEOs, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Alice Cooper.
And then there was his serving as honorary chair of Prevent Child Abuse America, the national chairman for This Close for Cancer Research and board member for the National Mentoring Partnership and the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
But that was just the tip of his philanthropic involvement.
Back during the 1990s, when his singing talents and mane of blond hair were making headlines, he created The Michael Bolton Charities “to assist women and children at risk from the effects of poverty as well as emotional, physical and sexual abuse.”
One of the foundation’s programs — “Beyond Trauma: Youth Music Therapy” — urges high-risk youth in Connecticut who have “experienced domestic violence and/or significant trauma to use music to help them realize they can transform their emotional state.”
According to Michael, who’s the father of three daughters, the foundation’s mission hasn’t wavered through nearly three decades: “That is particularly true now as we all grapple with the continuing pandemic, and the rise in domestic violence incidents and trauma impacting intimate partners and their children. It is more important than ever to continue the work of our mission as well as enlist other men to raise their voices for zero tolerance and respond to today’s immense challenges and compelling needs.”
It’s because of this concern and commitment to deal with domestic abuse that 2022 Genesis Luncheon Co-Chairs Beth and Fin Ewing along with Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein have arranged to bring Michael to North Texas for the 2022 Genesis Luncheon on Thursday, April 14, at the Hilton Anatole.
Proceeds from the luncheon will support Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support’s ongoing effort to “serve more than 3,500 women and children each year as they take their first steps away from domestic violence.”
Sponsorships starting at $1,750 and are now available here with individual tickets being sold online … if any are available. And that’s a big “if.”
* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter And Support