" If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives"
-- Robert Smith
The Soul Patrol is quite familiar with Taylor Hicks having a heart for the needy, especially children. During American Idol, he introduced us all to two local Birmingham charities which cater to chldren of various needs, Studio by the Tracks and KidOne transport. Since then, we have seen him branch out and show support for many other charities.
Almost two years ago, he associated himself by headlining and performing at such events such as the Benefit for the Charlize Africa Outreach Program, the New York Presbyterian Hospital Charity Event, and, as recently as this past weekend, The Family Center's Palm Night.
We have even seen Taylor enjoy himself and get lost in a game of golf, lest we not forget that these tournaments are indeed fundraisers. Twice now, Taylor has played in the Bob Hope Classic Golf Event-- a benefit that has raised funds funds for over 100 charities. And, this past May, Taylor could be seen playing a round of golf at the Regions Charity Golf Event.
Taylor has shown is support of our Country by playing at the Stadium of Fire as well as being a part of the USO tour on the USS Reagan.
In the spirit of supporting his community, Taylor took an unprecedented intermission at his Birmingham shows last March and encouraged his audience to take that time to donate to the Red Cross who was then helping the victims of Enterprise High School because it had just been struck by deadly tornadoes the previous week. He also endorsed a signed portrait to be auctioned on ebay and all proceeds went to Enterprise.
Additionally, Taylor has associated himself with numerous charities involving children. From his pronouncement of Studio by the Tracks and Kid One Transport, he has danced with patients from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, endorsed the Alabama Center for the book to promote literacy among children, and is scheduled to perform at a fundraiser for the Greenhills School in Addison, Texas this Spring.
Taylor's Angels has made sure to add Taylor's name to the Fan Club Donation list at St. Jude's Children's Hospital. For more information, please visit a nice write up on us at: Taylor Hicks My Idol
Clearly, instead of sitting back and enjoying some of the fruits of his celebrity, Taylor has used his celebrity to support causes that are important to him. What an incredible statement he has made and a testament to his good character.
As if this list isn't exhaustive enough, especially when you realize that these things have been accomplished only within the past 1 and 1/2 years and in between cutting albums and two nationwide tours, Taylor surprises us again and has now endorsed The Shriner's in this latest Public Service Announcement.
ShrinePSA2 from TH Community on Vimeo.
psa1 from TH Community on Vimeo.
For those of you not familiar with the Shriner's, their mission statement is clear: Dedication to fun and fellowship... but with a serious purpose. Through hard work and donations, they have 22 children's hospitals that are at the forefront of medical treatment and research in orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord injury cases in young children. You may learn more about them at http://www.shrinershq.org/.
Written and published by Leslie Mozingo
Photos taken by Tina Shaddix
Audio and Video PSA compliments of The Shriner's
Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Soul Patrol, Taylor's Angels
