In December 1978, Jackson "spread Christmas joy among 200 youngsters at the Hollywood Children's Hospital", throwing them a party and giving away autographed posters. His philanthropic efforts expanded and grew substantially as he stepped out as a solo artist. History 1970s and 1980s Early activities īorn in 1958, Jackson began engaging in philanthropic and humanitarian efforts while still a member of the Jackson Five and received early recognition by the time he was thirteen. 1.2 1990s and the Heal the World Foundation.Jackson received various awards and accolades for his philanthropic work, including two bestowed by Presidents of the United States.
He also donated valuable personal and professional paraphernalia for numerous charity auctions. In addition to supporting a substantial number of charities established by others, in 1992 Jackson established the Heal the World Foundation, to which he donated several million dollars in revenue from his Dangerous World Tour.Īside from monetary donations, Jackson's philanthropic activities also included performing in benefit concerts and giving away tickets for regular concert performances to groups aiding underprivileged children, making hospital visits to sick children and opening his home for visits, with attention to providing special facilities and nurses if the children needed that level of care. The actual amount of donations made by Michael may be even higher, but the exact amount is not known since Jackson often gave anonymously and without fanfare. By some estimates, he donated over $500 million to charity over the course of his life, at one time being recognized in Guinness World Records for the breadth of his philanthropic work.
Jackson's early charitable work has been described by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as having "paved the way for the current surge in celebrity philanthropy", and by the Los Angeles Times as having "set the standard for generosity for other entertainers".
Bush with Michael Jackson, whom Bush named a Point of Light AmbassadorĮntertainer Michael Jackson is regarded as a prolific philanthropist and humanitarian.