Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am hosting a fundraiser called "The Celebration of Amy" which is in aid of The Amy Winehouse Foundation. The Amy Winehouse Foundation was established by Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse, on 14 September 2011 – what would have been Amy's 28th birthday. Amy was known for her struggles and addictions to alcohol and drugs and because addiction is so hard to overcome, Amy passed away on 23 July 2011 at the premature age of 27. 

Amy Winehouse was no doubt troubled but she was so much more than what the press later viewed her as. She was an ambitious, dedicated, passionate (as well as compassionate), intimate, emotional, creative, and enormously talented singer and songwriter. She was in no way your run-of-the-mill artist; she was peerless in her supreme, unique, and soulful contralto voice, she was unique in her sense of style – both musically and aesthetically, – and she put all of herself into writing her music. Her voice is instantly recognisable, her signature jet-black beehive, bold cat eyes, and retro style became fashionable and unforgettable, and no one can ever say that they don't remember Amy. She was tremendously talented and has been terribly missed by all.

People struggle with addictions of all kinds and it's more common than many people realise. Everyone usually knows (or unknowingly so) someone who has struggled in the past, is currently struggling, or has passed away because of an illness that became too overwhelming and eventually took them away from us. 

There are many misconceptions about addictions or people who struggle with addictions for that matter, and it's our job to defeat ignorance and help educate those who don't understand but more importantly, to help support those who battle with these demons and get them the health education and prevention, treatment, guidance and advice, and anything else they need. 

I have struggled with demons myself and I am sure there are some of you who have as well in some shape or form or who have known someone – a friend, partner, relative, – who has. I became very interested in hosting a fundraiser in aid of The Amy Winehouse Foundation because not only was I incredibly moved and amazed by Amy's talent and potential, but because I related to her in so many ways. From our heritage and our pride, our love of music (early jazz and the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, among others, 1950's and 1960's girl groups like The Shirelles, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, The Crystals, The Shangri-Las, and others, and big band artists like Frank Sinatra), our love of the styles of the 1950's and 1960's, our eccentricities, and unfortunately some of our problems.

Everyone has "that moment" that they will remember forever. Whether it was the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Sr., Robert Francis Kennedy, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, or John Lennon, or the attacks on 11 September 2001, my moment was the death of Amy Winehouse. 

By donating money to "The Celebration of Amy" Fundraiser in aid of The Amy Winehouse Foundation, you are giving much needed help to charities and programmes that help individuals with disabilities, problems with drink and/or drugs, homeless youth, youth centres, children's hospices, help fund workers who can assist those in need of shelter, employment, social opportunities, and more. 

Please just take 5 minutes out of your day to make a donation to this fundraiser. I know we have all done it at some point, but just taking a few minutes to donate money will definitely make a difference and it will be deeply appreciated! If you can, please share this fundraiser with friends or family who would be willing to help. 

 

Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse states: "The Amy Winehouse Foundation has been set up in Amy's memory to support charitable activities in both the UK and abroad that provide help, support, or care for young people, especially those who are in need by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage, or addiction." [...] "By offering scholarship grants to deserving students, from disadvantaged families for educational purposes..."

For those who want some more clarification as to what my fundraiser in aid of The Amy Winehouse Foundation supports, the foundation I'm in support of states the following:

"The Amy Winehouse Foundation has been set up in Amy's memory to prevent the effects of drug and alcohol misuse on young people. We also aim to support, inform, and inspire vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to help them reach their full potential.

Under this, our three core areas of focus are:

1. To inform and educate young people about the effects of drug and alcohol misuse and support those seeking help with their drug and alcohol-related problems and those needing on-going support in their recovery.

2. To provide support for those most vulnerable, those at high risk of misuse, or disadvantaged through circumstance.

3. To support the personal development of disadvantaged young people through music.

It is the mission of the Foundation to assist as many of those affected as possible by supporting and funding identified and reputable charitable organisations that tirelessly carry out remarkable and professional work in these areas. The Amy Winehouse Foundation does not make grants to individual young people or families. This work not only makes a significant and positive difference for those it supports, but also pays tribute to Amy's remarkable life, talent, and beautiful spirit." (The Amy Winehouse Foundation)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

You do not have to be a citizen of the United Kingdom to donate money!