The 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund in partnership with The Cleveland Foundation was founded by the family of Michael Stanley to honor his commitment over his lifetime of giving back to the people of Northeastern Ohio. The year 2024 brings with it the 50th Anniversary of the Michael Stanley Band! No doubt Michael would have had plenty of great stories to share about life on stage and on the road during those years. 10,000 Watts is proud to contribute to three unique local charities that spotlight causes that speak to Michael's heart and soul.
"I remember how life changing and important it was to Michael when he was able to buy himself a guitar," recalls Michael's sister Nancy. He practiced ALL the time. That guitar gave him the opportunity to put all those poems, melodies and lyrics in his head into the world and into our lives. An instrument can change a life and that of those around the musician. Open Tone Music provides instruments to children, helps to educate them musically and provides an opportunity to change their lives in a profound way. We are so proud to support this vibrant charity who through programs like the Amistad Caribbean Arts Program, the High School Honors Jazz Band and the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival, are bringing music into the lives of so many children and our Northeast Ohio Community.
Executive Director and Founder, Chris Anderson says, “Open Tone Music would like to thank the Michael Stanley family and their support through the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund. This support will enable us to continue offering premier music education and performance programming to thousands of youth and adults in the Northeast Ohio community.”
Check them out: www.opentonemusic.org
“I have been dealing with an overwhelming amount of grief after suddenly losing my husband last month," says Michael's daughter Sarah. We chose Cornerstone of Hope because they are dedicated to helping people turn their pain into purpose through therapy, support groups, spiritual care, and so much more. Their services support grieving families in the community and inspire them to find new hope after the loss of a loved one. “We are excited to spread the word about the wonderful work Cornerstone of Hope does and the special events they provide for the people of Cleveland.”
CEO and Co-Founder, Mark Tripodi says, “Cornerstone of Hope is beyond grateful to be the recipient of this gift from the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund and family of Michael Stanley, in honor of Michael’s memory. This generous gift will be used to bring light to so many we encounter in the darkest hours of their grieving.”
Check them out at: www.cornerstoneofhope.org
“Cancer has unfortunately touched and taken the lives of several of our family members, so supporting others going through their journey is very important to us,” says Michael’s other daughter, Anna.
“Right around Dad’s birthday last year, we attended an awesome fundraiser event for the local organization Knitting for Cancer, which was started in 2019 by Jennifer Bystricky in honor of her mother who fought a courageous battle with cancer.” Their mission is to bring comfort to cancer warriors all over the world by sending comfort packages filled with handmade hats, blankets and cute little critters using the softest yarn. “I received a Knitting for Cancer bag on my doorstep during my 2nd cancer journey and the beautiful contents not only provided emotional and physical comfort at a much-needed time, but they also brought a BIG smile to my face knowing that I was supported by people I had never met.”
Jennifer Bystricky is so grateful for this donation and shares more specifics about how it will impact Knitting for Cancer. “With the funds donated, we will be able to purchase 250 skeins of approved hat yarn to supply volunteers that cannot afford yarn but want to help, such as our correctional and senior communities. This amount will last approximately 2 months. The donation will also cover the shipping costs for at least 100 comfort packages being delivered to the doorsteps of cancer warriors everywhere. Happy Heavenly Birthday Michael!”
Check them out at: www.knittingforcancer.org
We hope that this year the recipients of our 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund donations will be able to shine a little brighter and continue to serve the people of the city that Michael was proud to call “My Town.”
For more information about how to support the 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund, contact Jason Weiner at 216-861-3810 or visit clevelandfoundation.org/givenow to donate directly.