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Given to Live - what a wonderful charity idea.....
http://www.giventolive.com/
I met Tom some years ago now on these very boards and over the years we have kept in touch and formed a great friendship[ .
I was always deeply touched by his own personal journey, one that had seen him battle various demons, and despite reaching rock bottom he stared adversity in the face and with the help and support of kind people and through his own hard work and dedication now stands as the founder of a wonderful new charity. A charity that aims to be the springboard, that little ray of light, and provider of generosity for others who find themselves in that same position, one that feels hopeless and devastating.
Toms vision is to reach out to make dreams become a reality for as many people as he can, people whom without his help will never have the chance to experience what many of us take for advantage.....Live music. Live music is a luxury that is out of the reach of a great many people.
Whilst seeing a show may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a person who perhaps lives on the streets, why should those less fortunate folk not get to see the band they once loved but will likely never be able to see again.
The charity was set up with the sole aim of helping people ( there is no set criteria either) whom are down on their luck, to get a dream trip somewhere to see their heroes perform. Through public donations, and fund raising, and the support of corporate partners, Tom is firmly on his way to making this not just a pipe dream but reality. His website whilst not entirely finished at this stage is well under way and there is a facebook community that is operating, I really just want to help him spread the word and garner support for him in this wonderful endeavour.
Those on facebook can find it here: -
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Given-To-Live/814123041937589 (please like and share )
and those who are not please bookmark this site which will be operational shortly......
www.giventolive.org
If anyone knows anyone who would like to apply as a suitable candidate for a trip they can contact Tom initially via the facebook page. As above there is no set criteria, merely people who are perhaps suddenly out of work, homeless, recovering addicts, those in a shelter after suffering abuse, those with a disability........the list is endless, the sole aim is to give people who would otherwise not have a hope in getting to a show - do just that and have the experience of a lifetime. The charity will pay for flights, hotels, transport, and concert tickets......
A little Background as to how the idea came about
As I already said, I'm immensely proud of the founder, he has been to the very bottom, he has lived rough, he has battled addictions etc. But to meet him now, he's one of the success stories, one of those who knows that there is another path out of that life. He's an inspiration, even more genuine and authentic having lived through some of the toughest situations. He knows what it is like, and he wants to make a difference and help others emerge too.
His idea came about when he witnessed some wonderful generosity amongst the pearl jam community when taking in some lightning bolt USA dates In October. After a young lady was robbed of precious belongings and her travel documents, a group of people dug deep to brighten up her day and ensure her concert was not ruined. My friend took great pride in watching on as people gave what they could to turn that day around, and whilst collecting his thoughts that day - Given to Fly was born.
Tom will be in Leeds tomorrow, so if anyone wanted to learn more, or just chat to him about his vision and passion, then look for the guy in the Given to Live shirt.
I met Tom some years ago now on these very boards and over the years we have kept in touch and formed a great friendship[ .
I was always deeply touched by his own personal journey, one that had seen him battle various demons, and despite reaching rock bottom he stared adversity in the face and with the help and support of kind people and through his own hard work and dedication now stands as the founder of a wonderful new charity. A charity that aims to be the springboard, that little ray of light, and provider of generosity for others who find themselves in that same position, one that feels hopeless and devastating.
Toms vision is to reach out to make dreams become a reality for as many people as he can, people whom without his help will never have the chance to experience what many of us take for advantage.....Live music. Live music is a luxury that is out of the reach of a great many people.
Whilst seeing a show may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a person who perhaps lives on the streets, why should those less fortunate folk not get to see the band they once loved but will likely never be able to see again.
The charity was set up with the sole aim of helping people ( there is no set criteria either) whom are down on their luck, to get a dream trip somewhere to see their heroes perform. Through public donations, and fund raising, and the support of corporate partners, Tom is firmly on his way to making this not just a pipe dream but reality. His website whilst not entirely finished at this stage is well under way and there is a facebook community that is operating, I really just want to help him spread the word and garner support for him in this wonderful endeavour.
Those on facebook can find it here: -
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Given-To-Live/814123041937589 (please like and share )
and those who are not please bookmark this site which will be operational shortly......
www.giventolive.org
If anyone knows anyone who would like to apply as a suitable candidate for a trip they can contact Tom initially via the facebook page. As above there is no set criteria, merely people who are perhaps suddenly out of work, homeless, recovering addicts, those in a shelter after suffering abuse, those with a disability........the list is endless, the sole aim is to give people who would otherwise not have a hope in getting to a show - do just that and have the experience of a lifetime. The charity will pay for flights, hotels, transport, and concert tickets......
A little Background as to how the idea came about
As I already said, I'm immensely proud of the founder, he has been to the very bottom, he has lived rough, he has battled addictions etc. But to meet him now, he's one of the success stories, one of those who knows that there is another path out of that life. He's an inspiration, even more genuine and authentic having lived through some of the toughest situations. He knows what it is like, and he wants to make a difference and help others emerge too.
His idea came about when he witnessed some wonderful generosity amongst the pearl jam community when taking in some lightning bolt USA dates In October. After a young lady was robbed of precious belongings and her travel documents, a group of people dug deep to brighten up her day and ensure her concert was not ruined. My friend took great pride in watching on as people gave what they could to turn that day around, and whilst collecting his thoughts that day - Given to Fly was born.
Tom will be in Leeds tomorrow, so if anyone wanted to learn more, or just chat to him about his vision and passion, then look for the guy in the Given to Live shirt.
Post edited by pdalowsky on
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Comments
I only met Tom quite recently at some of the US tour dates last year. You couldn't meet a nicer and genuine guy and this really is a great charity that I'm sure Tom can make work. I have been lucky enough in life to see PJ several other times as well as many other bands around the world. It would be great for people less well off for whatever reason can also experience that same feeling we all get when seeing PJ live.
Hopefully many of ye on here will take a look at the Facebook page (like and share it also) and any of you who are in Leeds tomorrow do go an say hello to Tom.
Tom, looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow for yet another PJ show
Good luck!
RED ROCKS 6-19-95
AUGUSTA 9-26-96
MANSFIELD 9-15-98
BOSTON 9-29-04
BOSTON 5-25-06
MANSFIELD 6-30-08
EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
BOSTON 5-17-10
EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
PJ20 9-3-11
PJ20 9-4-11
WRIGLEY 7-19-13
WORCESTER 10-15-13
WORCESTER 10-16-13
HARTFORD 10-25-13
Latest story - Declan at Slipknot is up on the website now at www.giventolive.com along with Kayleigh at Foo Fighters, Tony at Stereophonics and more.
Inspired by Pearl Jam, making live music dreams come true.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
A couple of things that are going on for us at the moment-
We've signed off on a trip to the Proms In The Park in London for DT (currently confidentiality stands). DT has a chronic pulmonary condition and at 69 is in a wheelchair and uses oxygen. The funding has been released for DT and a carer to attend and all ticket and transport costs are covered. DT lives in a care home and is essentially housebound without a carer.
Also, we have started talking with local homeless organisations, both adult and young people, to see if there's a way we can create job opportunities and work experience. As someone who has been homeless and spent time sleeping rough I know the issues that need to be faced and how often it just takes someone having a little faith.
Latest story - Declan at Slipknot is up on the website now at www.giventolive.com along with Kayleigh at Foo Fighters, Tony at Stereophonics and more.
Inspired by Pearl Jam, making live music dreams come true.
Im sure he will confirm when they go live....
The poster from the Amsterdam pop up shop will be up tomorrow.
Latest story - Declan at Slipknot is up on the website now at www.giventolive.com along with Kayleigh at Foo Fighters, Tony at Stereophonics and more.
Inspired by Pearl Jam, making live music dreams come true.
Indeed, the new site is up-
www.giventolive.com
Latest story - Declan at Slipknot is up on the website now at www.giventolive.com along with Kayleigh at Foo Fighters, Tony at Stereophonics and more.
Inspired by Pearl Jam, making live music dreams come true.