On September 22nd this year ex-Beach Boy Brian Wilson launched his very own challenge to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Promising to personally call and thank anyone who donated more than $100 to charity via his website, Wilson ended up raising $210,000 and making over 500 phone calls. It all began when he posted a request on his website's message board asking fans to donate to those suffering from the aftermath of America's biggest natural disaster. One surly fan was suspicious of the post's credibility, and challenged Wilson to call him…if it really was Wilson. Sure enough, Wilson asked the fan to donate $100 and would reward him with the requested phone call. And so began the challenge, in which he and his wife also decided to match all cash donations as well. Wilson's compassionate streak doesn't stop there - he plans to play Santa Claus this year and bring Christmas to New Orleans. "Christmas has always been a special time for me and my family," says Wilson. "I would love to be able to go down to New Orleans and bring toys and perform for the kids that have lost so much. No kid should be without Christmas." To further celebrate the joy of Christmas, Wilson will be releasing his first solo album of Christmas music, "What I Really Want For Christmas" the 18th of October. |
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