Kevin & JWR Take the Windy City by Storm

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Apr 11, 2002 Source: Just Within Reach Submitted By: Gina Cates Chicago fundraisers bring in over $56K for JWR and the environment STUDIO CITY, Calif. - Believe… Imagine… words that resonated through Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson's message of hope during his whirlwind visit to Chicago last Saturday to promote environmental education and fundraising for his foundation, Just Within Reach (JWR). The events of April 6th raised awareness for today's environmental issues and brought in a hefty $56,000 to support JWR which promotes education, personal responsibility and accountability with regard to the health of the Earth. The day began with a "Breakfast in the Rainforest" at the Rainforest Café - Downtown. There, flanked by colorful parrots and cockatoos, Richardson and his JWR staff joined 125 guests for a meet 'n greet meal with an auction and raffle of Backstreet memorabilia and wardrobe items. Twenty-five lucky VIP ticket buyers had the opportunity to join Kevin on a private tour of the Café's environmental displays, created to educate patrons about the rainforest and its ecosystems. Later in the day, Kevin paid a visit to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Butterfly Haven, where he spoke to local school kids and helped them complete a computer-based exercise called Environmental Central. Kevin and the kids perched themselves in front of networked computer stations and used research and teamwork to find solutions to a number of environmental problems. The visit was brought to a close by a stop in the Butterfly Haven where butterflies flew freely and lightly landed on their guests, reconnecting the unsuspecting humans with nature's wonder and fragility. The day's events culminated at a fun-filled but emotional "Reaching Harmony" gala dinner and auction held at the Peninsula Hotel. The program provided an overview of JWR and allowed Kevin time to reach out to a new wave of environmental advocates. "It's really touching that so many people would come out to support a cause I've committed part of my life to," said Kevin. "I'm glad more people are joining our efforts to improve the environment. We have a big battle to fight. And even though a single person can make a difference in how they impact the Earth, there's strength in numbers - our strength comes from knowing that we're fighting for the right things and for the right reasons." Two of those "reasons" were the recipients of the JWR Visionary Award. Kevin and his wife Kristin presented the inaugural award to a brother and sister team who best personify the mission of the foundation through their "can do" attitude for cleaning up their community. Nine-year-old Lucas Musil and 12-year-old Kylie Musil of Naperville, Illinois, were honored with the Visionary Award for their initiative and achievement in building environmental awareness and cleanup programs in their schools and local community. The gala's 90 guests were treated to inspiring live performances by Kevin and Chicago native and singer/songwriter/producer Richard Marx. There was not a dry eye in the house as Marx sang his environmental ode "Your World" live for the first time ever. Following the solo, the two accomplished songsters took to the stage in a vocal duet of the Backstreet Boys' "Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely" and a dual piano duet of Marx's "Right Here Waiting." But perhaps most moving was Kevin's solo piano and vocal performance of John Lennon's "Imagine." "I was trying to think of the perfect song for this evening," said Kevin. He said he wanted to play something that reflected the importance of what he is trying to accomplish in his environmental work. "Imagine has a strong message and was written by someone who did what he could to make a difference in the world. After all these years, it still tells us there is hope for saving this world we're living in," said Kevin. "We have so much to do to improve this planet. But just think of what we can do if we work together. Just imagine." The JWR Foundation plans to hold fundraisers similar to the Rainforest Café breakfast in several regions of the country in the coming months. The JWR Visionary Award gala will now become an annual event. For more information, visit www.JustWithinReach.org. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: johnansog http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Submitted by: markus http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Submitted by: utilizera Submitted by: pasparty Submitted by: snymrik Submitted by: Carol Clark Submitted by: Mark Submitted by: Monika Submitted by: Kelly Submitted by: John Click here to see more comments. Comment on this item. Next Item: Caliornia BSB Fan Convention Prev Item: A.J. McLean On Group's New R&B Songs And Staying Sober