Help From Familiar Friends

Sometime around late September 2004, I started working with fellow Pearl Jam fan Laura Trafton on organizing a small grassroots fundraiser for the St. Louis food bank before the "Vote For Change" tour. With just a couple of weeks to plan things out, we raised over 200lbs of food and clothing for the St. Louis Area Food Bank.

In 2005, I decided to build on that idea and raise awareness about Crohn's and colitis before Pearl Jam shows in Canada. To my amazement, these little meet-ups raised over $20,000 for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada.



Again, building on that momentum, Laura and I partnered up for a similar campaign for Pearl Jam's 2006 tour. We set a goal to top the $20,000 figure we attained in Canada and held pre-show fundraisers across the country. Again, to our astonishment, fans came through with donations, support and excitement. The best part (aside from the unbelievable amount of money raised for the CCFA) was shining a light on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We were spreading awareness in a fun and positive way.


Around the same time, Laura and I started discussing an idea of forming a non-profit organization to help the myriad of charities that Pearl Jam supports year round (not just during tours). We wanted to raise awareness (and money) for other charities that might not get as much exposure as others.

To her credit, Laura took the idea and created The Wishlist Foundation. On September 14, 2006, the Wishlist Foundation was legally registered as a nonprofit corporation in Illinois. They are now dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic goals.



While I still try to help out from time-to-time, my participation level decreased because of family priorities and work commitments. I did, however, manage to get a letter published in Relix magazine commending The Wishlist Foundation and Pearl Jam fans. Pearl Jam, Mike McCready and a host of artists and fans continue to keep the momentum going for various causes and charities.


Now, as I find myself working to help pass the IBD Research and Awareness Act, I am grateful to know that I have continued support from The Wishlist Foundation. They have formed a grassroots street team made up of fans and volunteers who work together to promote the Wishlist Foundation, their beneficiaries and Pearl Jam. The street team is now working to help me get this important piece of legislation passed. I can't thank them enough.

In addition, I have to thank the folks at the Pearl Jam message board for sticking my post to the top of the board and for all the efforts of the fans to write, call and email their local legislators.


With the right amount of motivation, inspiration, determination and other words ending in "ation", we can make our voices be heard. We can shed light on causes and organizations that might not get the attention they need.

Thank you to my wife, family, friends, Laura, Pearl Jam fans, Mike McCready and the Wishlist Foundation for working to find a cure and continuing to raise awareness about IBD.

Cheers,

Brent